Maastricht city is the oldest city of the Netherlands as its history dates back to 50 B.C., when the Romans built a settlement by the main road, near a ford in the river. The centre of the city is especially attractive, due to its wealth of historic buildings which are a big attraction for the visiting tourists. It has some 1450 monuments protected by law and care is taken that both new and renovated buildings maintain the period atmosphere of their surroundings. The entire Maastricht city centre has been declared a 'protected area' to preserve its heritage.
