Vrijthof Square, Maastricht (must see)

Vrijthof Square is a large ancient square with beautiful cobblestones. It has been Maastricht's main square since the 19th century.

Excavations have revealed a late Roman period burial site underneath the square. Archeologists also found remains of an ancient Roman road, the Via Belgica under the square's north side.

The Vrijthof name was first mentioned in writing in 1223. Sometime after that, Vrijthof Square was walled. The walls were removed during the Maastricht Septennial Pilgrimage.

A stone perron was erected in the square in 1292 to symbolize the prince-bishop of Liège's jurisdiction. The French Occupation demolished this perron in 1795. The current perron stands in the square's northeast corner and was built in the 1950s.

The square was occasionally used for executions. In 1408, a rebellious Liège mayor was beheaded here. Fifteen Anabaptist heretics were burned at the stake in 1535.

In the 17th century, a fence replaced the wall. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the square served as a military parade ground. The Main Guard House was built in 1736.

During the 1794-1814 French Occupation, the square was renamed Arms Square. The French Occupation demolished several landmark buildings in the square.

Today, there are 38 heritage buildings in Vrijthof Square. The 11th-century Basilica of Saint Servatius stands next to the 14th century St. John's Church. The brightly colored 16th century Spanish Government building now houses the Museum of Photography.

Visitors will find a plaque dedicated to the US Army's Old Hickory Division which was instrumental in Masstricht's liberation in 1944. The square is also home to interesting artworks by local artists.