Maastricht is of one the oldest cities in the Netherlands. The whole area in and around the city offers many historic monuments that remind the visitors of the rich and colorful past. A Roman town, a city of pilgrimage and a fortress during medieval era.

Maastricht is located at the crossroads of the Euregion and the city is developing in many ways. Maastricht is the greenest city of the Netherlands and nevertheless has a well developed industry. Furthermore, the picturesque, cultural and pleasant environment attracts about 21 000 000 visitors every year. 66 000 m² of shopping space and, the largest arts and antiques fair in the world (TEFAF) as well as 8 Michelin stars in the direct surroundings are promising and attractive features of Maastricht.

In 1992, the Treaty of Maastricht was signed and led to the foundation of the European Union and the introduction of the “euro”. Moreover, Maastricht has become a city with an international character in the past decades. The population amounts to approximately 120,000 people of whom more than 20 000 are students, 40% foreigners. The rather young university, since 1976, has become one of the success stories of the city and furthermore, the university of applied sciences was ranked best of it’s category during the past two years.

Maastricht may have developed towards a more international and modern city, however, it is noticeable how well historical records have been spared. The old city walls are still intact for big parts and ancient churches and residences are renovated and resided by a hotel, a bookstore or faculties of the university.