VALKENBURG – Magistrate Titus Tertinius – Pleasant bustle – 9.5 km

Valkenburg is the oldest tourist town in the Netherlands. With the construction of the Maastricht–Aachen railway line in 1853, the first visitors arrived in Valkenburg aan de Geul. The small town along the Geul River became known as a spa resort because of its clean air. This tradition continues to this day at the wellness centre Thermae 2000. But there is more! Valkenburg is famous as the marlstone town, with its romantic medieval centre situated in the shadow of the castle ruins on the hill above. 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 Geul 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 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 plaques were found engraved with the name of the owner: Titus Tertinius Cornutus. Since stones unfortunately cannot speak, we let Titus tell the story. He takes 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 speaking of the old Maastricht–Valkenburg railway line: it roughly follows the route of the Via Belgica.

Practical information:

• Starting point of the walking route? Restaurant De Beren, Leeuwhof 9, Valkenburg
• Distance? 9.5 km
• Roman guide? Magistrate Titus Tertinius
• Tips for your ideal audio walk:
• • Download the free VIA VIA / Via Belgica app from the App Store or Play Store
  • Select your language in the app and activate notifications
  • Earphones will enhance your listening experience
  • Enable your location and let the GPS system in the app guide you
  • At special locations, you will hear the sound of a Roman cornu and a pop-up with additional information will appear in the app

Credits: The audio walks were developed by public archaeologist Béatrice de Fraiture – BdF Producties.