Sphinxkwartier: an anchor point along the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH)
Maastricht's Sphinxkwartier district is an anchor point along the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH). ERIH anchor points are heritage sites of exceptional historical importance for industrial history. Maastricht's Sphinxkwartier, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the Netherlands, is designated as one of these points.
Themed routes in the Sphinxkwartier
Industrialization changed the face of Europe, which nowadays boasts a huge network of industrial heritage sites in many different countries. ERIH has set itself the goal of bringing these sites back to life and making sure they receive public attention. As it stands in 2019, almost 120 anchor points are located across 15 European countries, divided into regional and thematic routes. ERIH has sites across Europe and gives visitors access to more than 1,800 monuments of industrial heritage. The Sphinxkwartier has been added to two themed routes: 'Production & Manufacturing' and 'Housing and Architecture'. Please visit www.erih.net for further information.
From abandoned factory site to buzzing city district
The founding of glass and earthenware companies by the Netherlands' first industrialist, Petrus Regout (1801-1878), marked a turning point in Maastricht's history. From the middle of the nineteenth century until 2006, the Sphinx factories dominated the activity in the area around Boschstraat. After Sphinx vacated the premises, the following years saw the Municipality of Maastricht develop a new vision for the Sphinxkwartier, as laid down in the 'Antwoord van de Sphinx' (in Dutch).
Contemporary designs with a respect for history
The Sphinxkwartier is nowadays a dynamic, contemporary urban district. Old factory buildings have been given new uses, yet always with respect for and awareness of the area's industrial past. The history of the Sphinx factories and Maastricht's pottery industry comes to life in the 120-metre-long Sphinxpassage. Visitors are immersed in the industrial past of the Sphinxkwartier, 't Bassin, Frontenpark, and The Radium. And thanks to new designs offering a mix of public, catering, and cultural functions, the numerous former factory buildings can be enjoyed by many people.
Presentation ERIH plaque in pictures
Take a look at our photo-album
Wednesday 9 October 2019 Alderman Gert-Jan Krabbendam received the ERIH plaque from board member Hildebrand de Boer. Check out the photo album of the presentation via our Flickraccount.
Go to Flickr Belvédère Maastricht