SITE Belgium’s outing in Maastricht

Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, has undoubtedly ripened well with age, with complex and lively cultural overtones added over centuries by the Romans, Germans and French. This rich cultural palette is the secret behind the city’s attractiveness, which a group of SITE Belgium members discovered on Tuesday 17 March.

Known the world over because of the Maastricht Treaty that basically created the European Union and the single European currency, but thanks to the TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair), the most prestigious fine art fairs in the world, Maastricht has been, for two thousand years, a European melting pot where the major Germanic and Latin cultures have rubbed shoulders.

The city centre has a rich cultural history and picturesque medieval streets, beautiful squares and old churches. And yet Maastricht is an entirely modern city thanks to its wealth of modern architecture, top-notch accommodation options (with over 4,000 hotel rooms), an international environment, top international universities and colleges in a 50km radius.

Thanks to the expertise of Maastricht Convention Bureau, Maastricht has, over the years, gained extensive experience in hosting international groups. Since the opening of the MECC 25 years ago, the city has had the privilege of facilitating thousands of national and international events and conventions. The Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre (MECC Maastricht) consists of three flexible, multi-functional floors, all of which are interconnected. There are two auditoriums (1,650 seats) - which may be used separately or connected to one another - available for the plenary sessions, with direct access to the Expo Foyer (7,500 m²).

Highlights of the daytrip also included a visit to Kruisheren Hotel & Event Venue, and a guided tour of the Caverne de Geulhem. The former, arenovated 15th century monastery in the centre of Maastricht,will strike you with a gothic exterior and a modern interior. Three modern, well-equipped boardrooms, suitable for four to twenty people are available for your business needs. The latter is an authentic quarry, 30 feet underground, boasting all the modern facilities for a memorable meeting. The three caves can each accommodate up to 50 people U-shape, or more than 100 people theatre-style.

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