Derived from the Latin Mosae Trajectum meaning "the crossing of the Meuse (or Maas) River," the city of Maastricht continues to thrive after over 2000 years of history. Situated on the narrow finger of land copping a feel on Belgium and Germany in the southern part of Holland, the city has seen its share of inter state rivalries. In 1991, Maastricht was the scene of the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, the latest in a series of attempts to unite Europe further. The path of Maastricht's own culture and history is well preserved in many of the city's ancient buildings.
The Onze Lieve Vrouwe Basiliek, O.L. Vrouweplein, is an impressive medieval basilica, home to a potpourri of religious paraphernalia (open Easter Oct. Mon. Sat. I lam5pm, Sun. 1 5pm; admission to the vaults f3.50). In the spring of 1995, the Bonnefanten Museum will move across the river to the C6ramique Center. Artifacts of the Limburg area such as bits of architecture, paintings, and sculpture will be proudly honored. Finally, amateur spelunkers should really dig the Casemates, dug between the 16th and 19th centuries for mining and escaping sieges. Tramp through the labyrinth of tunnels for an hour on a guided tour (2pm, julyl6 Aug. 21 also at noon; f5.25). Another way to see the caves is by boat, on the Maas (AprilSept. every hr. on the hr. I Oam 3pm, Sun. 1 3pm; fl 3).
Arriving in Maastricht, you'll end up on the eastern side, across the river from all the action, at Centraal Station. Buses run frequently from the station, across the river to the Markt. The VVV is about one block south of the Markt at Her Dinghuis, Kleine Staat I (tel. (043) 25 21 21). Pick up a super informative info brochure for fl.75 and use the free map to navigate around. Tbcy'll also book hotel rooms free of charge. (Open Mon. Fri. 9am 6pm, Sat. 9am 5pm.)
The HI Hostel Sportel de Dousberg, Dousbergweg 4 (tel. (043) 43 44 04) is 20min. out of town by bus 8 to De Dousberg at a popular recreation park with an indoor/outdoor pool that guests can use for free. Slick and entertaining. (Curfew I am. f26 plus fI0 key deposit. Reserve ahead.) Sleep on the Maas at de Hotelboot, moored at Maasbouleverd 95 (tel. (043) 2190 23). Get rocked to sleep as you're serenaded by the thoroughfare, (Singles f55, doubles 1`70 80; breakfast included.)
Wallow in cheap pasta at Stap in, Kesselskade 6 1, where a full three course meal is only fl 7 (open I Oam 9pm). The city's cafes and nightlife are centered around the pedestrian district and especially around the Vrijthof Square. De Bobbel, Woffstr. 32, is a fun caf6 not far from the Vrijthof (open Mon. Sat. 10am midnight; meals from f10). Momus, Vrijthof 8, holds a cellar restaurant, a decidedly upper crust first floor
dining room, and a beautiful eat& that is transformed into a dance hall Thurs. Sun. nights (open Tues. Sun. 5 1 Opm; meals from fl 5 30).
