Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein ("Square of Our Lady") is a square in the historic center of Maastricht, Netherlands.
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein was originally named Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerkhof, because it was the churchyard of the Basilica of Our Lady and the neighboring Saint Nicholas Church (demolished in 1838).
In 1986 remains of a 2nd-century AD enclosed shrine and the remnants of a tower and parts of the walls of the former Roman castrum, dating back to ca. 313 AD, were discovered. The archaeological excavations can be visited (free of charge) in the basement of Hotel Derlon.
The European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), an EU-affiliated independent institute carrying out training and research on public administration and European policies, is located on Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein, occupying an Art Nouveau former bank building and some modern premises.
Well known for its many café terraces, the square is popular with tourists and local people alike. The square is situated in the vicinity of Maastricht's popular pedestrianized shopping district. The Romanesque Basilica of Our Lady and the adjacent Chapel of the Star of the Sea attract many visitors throughout the day.
Sources
- Pharaos Reizen (Dutch, PDF)
- Sterre der Zee (Dutch)
Coordinates: 50°50′51″N 5°41′35″E / 50.8475°N 5.6930°E
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
