 map showing location of Maastricht with respect to the Belgian border
map showing location of Maastricht with respect to the Belgian border
Cologne.
 Basilica of Saint Servatius
Basilica of Saint Servatius
Basilica of Saint Servatius, is a favoured place of pilgrimage: Pope John Paul II visited it in 1984. The golden gilt shrine containing some of the saint's relics is carried around the town every seven years. During the medieval period these processions caused such rioting that they were forbidden. The city remained an early Christian bishopric until it lost this position to nearby Liège in the 8th century.
Maastricht developed in the Middle Ages into a city of dual authority, with both the Prince-Bishopric of Liège and the Duchy of Brabant holding joint sovereignty over the city. It received city rights in 1204. The role of the Dukes was occupied by the Dutch States General from 1632 onwards when the city was taken from the Spanish by Frederik Hendrik. This duality remained in force until the conquest and annexation of the city by the French in 1794.
Skeletons uncovered in a front garden in Maastricht in May 2004 may be the remains of musketeers who died during a fierce 17th century battle between French attackers and Dutch defenders.
On Tongerse Gate (this event was portrayed by Alexandre Dumas in his novel The Vicomte de Bragelonne).
 Koningin Emmaplein
Koningin Emmaplein
Maastricht surrendered to French troops on June 30. The French troops occupied the Dutch city from 1673 to 1679. It was subsequently restored to Dutch rule.
After the Belgium in Belgium.
 A main shopping street in Maastricht, decorated with EU flags.
A main shopping street in Maastricht, decorated with EU flags.
On September 14, 1944, Maastricht was the first Dutch city to be liberated by allied forces during World War II.
In Euregio Maas-Rhine.
In 1992, the Maastricht treaty was signed here, leading to the creation of the Euro.
Especially under current Gerd Leers, Maastricht attracted many summits, like the OCSE-summit in 2003, and several gatherings during the Dutch EU-chairmanship in the second half of 2004.
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