PODCAST – Introduction Titus

Valkenburg is the oldest tourist town in the Netherlands. With the construction of the Maastricht–Aachen railway line in 1853, the first visitors began arriving in Valkenburg aan de Geul. The small town along the River Geul became known as a spa destination because of its clean air. This tradition continues to this very day at the wellness centre Thermae 2000.

But there is more! Valkenburg is famous as the marlstone town, with its romantic medieval centre lying in the shadow of the castle ruins on top of the hill. If only the marlstone blocks could speak…

Then we would hear how, at the beginning of our era, the Romans discovered the Geul Valley. How the valley became part of the Via Belgica. How villages and towns emerged along this road, and how local traditions blended with Roman customs.

Even today, Roman discoveries continue to be made along this 400-kilometre-long main road, which in Roman times connected the French coast with the German Rhineland. In Valkenburg, a Roman watchtower and three Roman villas have been excavated. In the Ravensbos villa, two bronze plates were discovered with the name of the owner engraved upon them: Titus Tertinius Cornutus.

Since stones unfortunately cannot speak, we shall let Titus speak instead. He will guide you on a walking tour through his Roman Valkenburg. His name is real, he truly existed, but what he tells you is modern historical fiction.

And returning to the old Maastricht–Valkenburg railway line: it roughly follows the route of the Via Belgica.