Statue of Fons Olterdissen, Maastricht

Fons Olterdissen was an important local cultural figure. He was a Dutch poet, a writer and a composer who wrote the Maastricht anthem. He was often called a “Renaissance man” due to his range of talents. Fons Olterdissen wrote his works in Maastricht dialect. Several decades after his death a statue was built in his honor. Willem Hofhuizen created a sculpture of Fons Olterdissen addressing his children, two boys and a girl. The work is made of bronze and was unveiled in 1961 on Grote Looiersstraat.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Mark Ahsmann.

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Sight Name: Statue of Fons Olterdissen
Sight Location: Maastricht, Netherlands (See walking tours in Maastricht)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Statues and Monuments Tour

Walking Tours in Maastricht, Netherlands

Create Your Own Walk in Maastricht

Creating your own self-guided walk in Maastricht is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Maastricht's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Founded by the Romans some 2,000 years ago, the charming city of Maastricht is one of the oldest in the Netherlands. Its long history is manifested in numerous remnants, including religious and secular buildings of any form. Over the course of the centuries, Maastricht has garnered a wealth of architecture, featuring a variety of styles: Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque and Renaissance.

Cultural... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

Maastricht Ancient Fortification Sites

As a key meeting point for European cultures and trading routes, Maastricht for millennia had been the site of many battles. Once known as the "Bulwark of the Netherlands", the city earned its reputation thanks to the impenetrable defenses that lasted through multiple attacks on its strategic position.

The very first fortifications in Maastricht appeared around the 1200s. Some of them... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

Statues and Monuments Tour

The citizens of Maastricht are reputed to be spiritual and have a good sense of humor. Their attitude towards life, as well as their customs and traditions, are vividly reflected in the numerous statues and monuments scattered throughout the city.

Among these is the Statue of Jan Pieter Minckeleers, commemorating the local inventor of gas lighting. Another notable figure is the Mooswief, also... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

Maastricht Introduction Walking Tour

Maastricht is an ancient city known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

In the first century AD, the Romans built a bridge across the Meuse river. A settlement grew near the bridge. Maastricht's name means "a place to cross the Meuse river". Today, a pillar marks this location of the original Roman bridge.

The Roman settlement was small,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles