The city had remained an early Christian bishopric until it lost the position to nearby Ličge in the 8th Century. It was in the Medieval period that Maastricht developed into a city of dual authority, with the Prince-Bishopric of Liege and the Duchy of Brabant being the joint sovereigns. The settlement received city rights in 1204, and operated under the Dutch States General from 1632 onwards, when it was taken from the Spanish by Frederik Hendrik. The famous Siege of Maastricht of 1673 was led by the Sun King of France, Louis XIV. Centuries later in 1815, Maastricht became part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. Between 1830 and 1839, the city belonged neither to the Dutch nor the Belgians. In 1839, the Treaty of London gave the city plus the eastern part of Limburg to the Netherlands, though they were culturally closer to Belgium. 

Maastricht abounds in sights, including Bassin, an inner harbour with an array of restaurants, the Helpoort and the city wall, as well as the Hoge Fronten, also known as Linie van du Moulin, a 17th-Century bastion. It's worth mentioning that the first bishop of the Netherlands, Saint Servatius, is buried in the crypt at the Basilica of Saint Servatius. Throughout history, this spot has evolved into an important place of pilgrimage, which even attracted Pope John Paul II in 1984. The gilt shrine holding the saint's relics is carried around Maastricht every seven years. Further sights worth visiting are the Kazematten, which are tunnels beneath the Hoge Fronten, and the famous Markt (Marketsquare) with its impressive Town Hall, and also Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Square with the imposing Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Basilica.

You should also go to the south of Maastricht, to the mount of St. Pietersberg, especially interesting for its old fort and network of caves which have become an ideal home for bats. and emerged as a result of digging for marl, a material used to build houses. Numerous fossils were also found here, most notably that of a Mosasaur in 1780. The caves were used as a hiding place during World War II, and today you can explore this 140-kilometre network, taking part in a guided tour on a special bike. If you happen to be in Maastricht at the time of carnival, you’ll participate in something more than a costumed feast – prepare yourself for three days and nights of constant entertainment.