Maastricht is best known for the Maastricht Treaty, the violinist and conductor Andre Rieu, and its university but, if you know where to look, it also has fascinating traditions and history. This walking tour offers a glimpse into how locals from Limburg Province have inhabited this city for centuries. The tour starts at the statue of Jan Minckelers, which honors the academic from Maastricht who invented gas lighting. You’ll see the world-famous Book Store Dominicanen, located in a repurposed cathedral, and have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the small-city energy that Maastricht’s inhabitants cherish. At Vrijthof, one of the major squares in the city, you’ll hear about how the city comes together annually to enjoy classical music concerts. You’ll walk on Sint Servaasbrug, the oldest bridge in the Netherlands, and pass Stokstraat’s high-end shops while salivating over great local foods. The tour ends with a view of Dinghuis, a tower that dates back to 1377 and was once guarded by a trumpeter who warned the city about fires. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to: • Get to grips with Maastricht’s world-first inventions, and how it became the first city to move from an oil-based street lighting to a gas-based system • Trace the origins of the Limburgian dish, zuurvlees (sour meat), as far back as Roman times • Hear about ‘Problem-Based Learning’ and how it’s central to Maastricht University’s teaching • Guess where the city gates’ keys were stored in the Hoofdwacht during the 1700s • Find out which local pastry is always on the table at celebrations • Figure out how to identify a building’s function during Roman times If you’re a local, a tourist, or a Maastricht student, your understanding of this remarkable, small Roman city will be enriched on this tour. I’ve also included optional stops to visit, so come during the day and the doors will be open for you to unlock Maastricht’s secrets.