Grotten Noord - Maastricht Underground Maastricht - Caves

Grotten Noord is a fascinating underground location located in the city of Maastricht. It is a network of tunnels and caves stretching beneath the hills of Sint-Pietersberg and the Jeker Valley. This special system of caves was created by the extraction of marl, a soft limestone, which was used over the centuries for constructions in the city.

History

The history of the caves dates back to Roman times, when marl was first mined. Later, in the Middle Ages, the marl was widely used for the construction of churches, castles and other buildings in the city. During the Second World War, the caves were used as a bomb shelter and storage place for works of art from Maastricht's museums.

Today, the caves are used for a variety of activities, including guided tours, events and exhibitions. The guided tours are a popular attraction and offer visitors the chance to discover the rich history of the caves, as well as their role as air-raid shelters during the war.

Chapel of Sint-Pietersberg

A among the highlights of the tour is the visit to the Chapel of Sint-Pietersberg, a beautiful underground chapel carved out of the marl and decorated with paintings and statues. The chapel was built in the 18th century and was used by local farmers who kept their cattle in the caves.

Zonneberg Quarry

Another interesting sight is the Zonneberg quarry , a large room in the caves used to store wine barrels. The room is decorated with beautiful wall paintings dating from the 18th century.

Grotten Noord is not only an interesting tourist attraction, but also has an important ecological function. The caves are home to rare species of bats and other animals that depend on the dark and humid environment of the caves.