The Boat, the Basilica, the Bookstore, and the Cabbage Lady: Highlights from Our Tour of Maastrict

During our day in Maastricht we enjoyed one of the most memorable walking tours of our Viking River Cruise, an experience rich in history and . Nestled on the banks of the River Meuse, Maastricht blends Roman roots, medieval architecture, and modern significance in a way that few cities can match.

We began in the city’s lively Markt Square, where fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies were on full display. Among the most charming sights was the “Cabbage Lady," a statue of a vendor who has become something of a local icon. It was here that we learned a bit of unexpected culinary trivia: cole slaw, which is derived from the Dutch koolsla, meaning “cabbage salad," traces its roots back to Dutch settlers who carried the recipe to America centuries ago.

From the market, our walk led us to two of Maastricht’s most famous churches, standing side by side like contrasting chapters of a book. The Basilica of Saint Servatius, a Romanesque masterpiece dating back to the 11th century, holds the relics of the city’s patron saint. Its heavy stone walls and intricate carvings speak of centuries of devotion. Next door, the Church of Saint John, now a Protestant church,  rises in sharp Gothic contrast, its tall red tower a striking landmark visible from across the city. Together, they tell the story of Maastricht’s layered spiritual heritage.

One of the most impressive sites was the Boekhandel Dominicanen, the site of the first Gothic church in the Low Countries. Though once a church and Dominican monastery, the building now houses a bookstore, which was named by one Australian magazine as the most beautiful bookstore in the world.

World-renowned musician and conductor Andre' Rieu, is a native of Maastricht, and he returns to do approximately 12 concerts per year. We took a photo of the Andre' Rieu commemorative plaque in the plaza where many of the concerts are staged.

No visit to Maastricht would be complete without a nod to its modern political importance. In 1992, the Treaty of Maastricht was signed here, formally creating the European Union and laying the groundwork for the euro currency. Standing in the city where European nations committed to a shared future, it was hard not to feel the weight of that moment in history.

We also visited the Bisschopsmolen (Bishop’s Mill), which is the oldest working water mill in the Netherlands, dating back to the 7th century. Still grinding grain the old-fashioned way, the mill powers a bakery famous for its spelt bread and fruit pies. The smell of warm dough drifting out the door was an irresistible invitation—we happily accepted.

Our final stop was at front of the Basilica of Our Lady, a Romanesque church located a couple of blocks from the riverfront. The church is also called "The Star of the Sea." Following the tour, Amanda and I went inside to visit. The sanctuary was one of the most beautiful we have visited, and among the most reverent and quiet, with many visitors stopping by for a time of prayer and meditation. 

By the end of the day, we’d experienced the sight of towering church spires, the aroma of fresh bread, the sound of market chatter, the feel of centuries-old stone underfoot, and the stories that link them all together. From cabbage to cathedrals, treaties to traditional mills, Maastricht will be a memorable highlight of our journey.