April 18, 2025
Overnight we sailed back to the Netherlands to the small city of Maastricht. The rainy weather has followed us and the skies are grey!!
Maastricht, a university city on the southern tip of the Netherlands, is distinguished by its medieval-era architecture and vibrant cultural scene. In its cobbled old town, is the Gothic-style church Sint Janskerk, and the Romanesque Basilica of St. Servatius houses a significant collection of religious art. Over the centuries was a Roman settlement, medieval religious center, 16th-century garrison town, and 19th-century industrial mecca. The ancient city fortifications, and the 13th-century Helpoort (the oldest city gate in the Netherlands define the old town area.
Above the doors in the old town area there are symbols for what the store sold. In the 1600’s few could read so they used symbols The elephant with the bundle on it’s back was an exotic spice shop. The one with the swam was where men could go for “comfort”!
There are 30 churches in the old town area and many have been repurposed to other functions including one that is an incredible bookstore.
While we were standing outside this beautiful home a lady with a dog walked by and yelled “This is my home go stand in front of your home”. She promptly walked into her home and we moved on!
If you have ever been in an old church you have seen the tombstones in the floor. It was a privilege of the rich to be buried in the church. Unfortunately the tombs were rarely sealed well so the bodies began to smell. This is the origin of the phrase “Stinking Rich”…lol!!
I wandered over to the Friday market where locals were getting their food for the holiday weekend. It was interesting to see what the locals eat including lots of cheese and sardines.
Unfortunately my walkabout was cut short by the rain. I managed to get back to the boat before I got soaked!!!
Did you see Andre Reiu? This is where I want to go. What a fabulous area of the Netherlands.