Maastricht

Maastricht offers events aplenty amidst
a plethora of urban charm

An exuberant center of history, culture, and hospitality, Maastricht (pop. 130,000; 147 miles southeast of Amsterdam) is a city of cafes and churches, and it's hard to tell which has the upper hand. Maastricht is generally reckoned to be Holland's most user-friendly city, blessed with a quality of life the northerners in the Netherlands can’t match. Between eating, drinking, church-going, stepping out for Carnival, and hanging onto their rich heritage, Maastricht’s citizens have created a modern, prosperous city. The capital of Limburg province owes its name and existence to the Maas River and repays the debt with a handsome riverfront. The city traces its roots back to the Roman settlement of Mosae Trajectam, founded in 50 B.C. at a strategic bridge across the Maas at the foot of Sint-Pietersberg (Mt. St. Peter).

During Carnival, an event that dates back to the 15th century, the mayor hands over the keys of the city to Prince Carnival, who will reign over it and turn it completely upside-down over the next few days. The populace dress up and bring out colorful floats for the daily parades. After dark, everyone heads indoors, continuing the party with wining and dining.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.