the Roman era
"Maastricht" comes from "Mosae Trajectum" (bridge across the river Maas). The Romans built a
bridge about 200 metres south from the beautiful stone bridge-with-arches known today as
'the old bridge' or 'bridge of Saint Servaas'. The Roman bridge has disappeared, but there are
many relics under the water level.
The Church called 'Onzelievevrouwenkerk' stands now (since thousand years) on the
west bank of the river Maas between these two bridges. It stands where the Romans built a
castrum (fortified camp), a templum (temple) and thermae (heated baths). These Roman works have
disappeared, but there are many relics under the ground.
The Romans made a road for the army that went over the Roman bridge, through the center of
modern Maastricht, leaving the city by the street that is now called 'Brusselsestraat'.
When the Romans withdrew, Maastricht was large enough to survive. It became the seat of a
bishop, Saint Servaas who came from Tongeren.
another picture
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