Brian and Judy in U.K., Germany, Poland, Switzerland and France: Day 53

We cruised all night to reach Maastricht (which is in Holland, squeezed between Belgium and Germany) at 8.30 am this morning. We have only the day here and leave at 9.00pm tonight for Nijmegen.

Maastricht was the oldest fortified city in Holland. It has an historic cobble-stoned town centre with what looked like expensive shopping, many churches and temples, a creek wandering through town, and several market squares which house the dozens of coffee shops. All this is located on the east bank of the Maas river.

The historic St. Servatius Bridge with six arches was built around 1280. The Market (market square) is a spacious venue for the bustling street market held twice per week at the front of City Hall.

One of the gates leading into the once fortified city of Maastricht.

Cannons set back from the river had little use, as a section of the old bridge was burnt by the locals when invaders tried to reach the old town.

This old water wheel, which is still in action, was used to crush spelt.

The Church of St. John has a tower with 200 steps if you wish to enjoy the excellent view.

This is the neighbouring Church of St. Servatius with its Gothic cloisters and ancient crypt.

There are a myriad of shopping opportunities in Maastricht which enjoys not only local and tourist trade, but also shoppers from Belgium and Germany which are situated close by.

This old church has been renovated and altered to form a library.

Ann and Brian thought the cheese cake was too tempting at the Market Square.

The Town Hall on Market Square, which is an imposing building surrounded by many types of shopping possibilities.

St. Servatius Bridge gives diners at the many cafés along the Maas River a worthy view.

The section of the bridge at the far end is now a steel structure that opens for larger ships to pass. It replaces the old wooden section that was burnt down when the city was invaded.