Maastricht

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Maastricht
City and municipality
Coordinates:
Country	Netherlands
Province	Limburg
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)

Maastricht is a city and municipality in the Netherlands. It is the capital and largest city of the province of Limburg. Maastricht is located in the southeastern part of the country, on both sides of the Meuse River (Dutch: Maas), at the point where the Jeker River joins it.

History

Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It was originally a Celtic settlement and later became a Roman city known as Trajectum ad Mosam. The city has a rich history, with many historical buildings and landmarks, including the Basilica of Saint Servatius, the Basilica of Our Lady, and the St. Pietersberg Caves.

Geography

Maastricht is situated in a hilly part of the Netherlands, which is unusual for the generally flat country. The city is bordered by Belgium to the west and south and Germany to the east. The Meuse River divides the city into two parts: the western part, which includes the historic city center, and the eastern part, which includes the modern districts.

Economy

Maastricht has a diverse economy, with a strong emphasis on education, healthcare, and tourism. The city is home to Maastricht University, one of the leading universities in the Netherlands. The university attracts students from all over the world, contributing to the city's international atmosphere.

Culture

Maastricht is known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts several annual events, including the TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair), one of the world's leading art fairs. The city also has numerous museums, theaters, and music venues. The Vrijthof square is a central point for many cultural activities and events.

Transportation

Maastricht is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The city has its own airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport, which offers flights to various European destinations. The Maastricht railway station provides regular train services to major Dutch cities and neighboring countries.

Education

Maastricht is an important educational center in the Netherlands. Besides Maastricht University, the city is home to several other higher education institutions, including the Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the United World College Maastricht.

Notable People

Several notable people are associated with Maastricht, including:

• André Rieu, a famous violinist and conductor.
• Pieter Bruegel the Elder, a renowned painter.
• Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who had a significant influence on the city's history.

See Also

• Limburg (Netherlands)
• Maastricht Treaty
• Maastricht University
• Meuse (river)