Saturday, April 15, 2017

M - Maastricht, Netherlands

Maastricht is the birthplace of the European Union, European citizenship and the European currency, the euro.  It may be the oldest settlement in the Netherlands.  The name is derived from Latin, meaning 'crossing of the Meuse'.  Unfortunately, my photo of the bridge over the Maas River did not turn out, so here is one from the web:
Maastricht, stadszicht met Servaasbrug foto3 2011-09-10 09.54
By Michielverbeek (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

There is nothing like arriving in town on Pentecost Monday.  It is a holiday in the Netherlands and nothing opened before noon.  So, there was plenty of time to walk around town with no crowds.
 Basilica of Our Lady
St. John Protestant Church
Entrance to the Basilica of St. Servatius above and an interior view below.  There are many art works in the basilica.

Early morning in the square.  By the time we sat down for some lunch, this area was quite busy.
Palace of the Provost of St. Servatius - a National Monument
Window shopping
Tourist information is in the building at the end of the street.

Do you enjoy visiting smaller more laid back towns?  At least that was my impression of Maastricht.  

Bonus:  Daylily 'Mighty Mogul'

13 comments:

  1. I had a feeling today would be Maastricht! Beautiful churches.

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  2. I adore Maastricht! I wondered if you might take us to the former island of Marken, but I'm pleased you chose as you did. V for Volendam?

    Amble Bay's May Fair

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    1. Guess again, lol. I've been guessing with other folks doing movies and musicals and TV. Haven't guessed right once.

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  3. Thanks for sharing your town. I've been to Brugge and a few other small areas and always find them more interesting than the large cities.


    Affirmations for a Good Life

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  4. Another set of gorgeous photos.
    Sandra, Aspiring family historian, fellow participant in the #AtoZchallenge

    Sandra's Ancestral Research Journal

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  5. Did you bump into Andre Rieu whilst you were there? He owns, and is restoring, the castle which he plans to give back to the city one day. Saw one of the WNED crew touring it with him. Looks a lovely spot and an attractive town.

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  6. I enjoy visiting smaller towns. What a lovely dining area in the square. And lovely photos! (Sorry your photo of the bridge didn't turn out... glad you were able to find one to share. Old bridges are fascinating.)

    Trudy Reel Focus
    Food in Film: Meatloaf



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  7. Maastricth looks delightful. I agree that smaller towns often hold great rewards.

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  8. This looks like such an amazing place. Thank you for sharing it with us!

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  9. This looks like a really interesting place to visit - thanks for sharing it Denise. We love visiting places that are a bit more off the beaten track or aren't as popular with tourists. Beautiful flower as always.

    Pamela @ Highlands Days of Fun

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  10. I love visiting smaller towns which usually is needed in between the business of cities. The one pic of the entrance to the church shows how colourful everything g was painted and I love it. I love the middle fashion outfit. This looks like a beautiful city to walk around in.

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  11. Maastricht is beautiful. It was a good thing that you were able to survey the city's sights without crowds blocking your view.

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