Gemeentegrot

The Towncave


Useful Information

Location: Valkenburg aan de Geul.
Open: Palm Sunday to OCT Mon-Sat 9-17, Sun 10-17.
NOV to Palm Sunday Mon-Fri 14, Sat, Sun 10-16.
[2004]
Fee:
Classification: SubterraneaRock Mine subterranean limestone quarries.
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension: T=14 °C
Guided tours: Tram tour: D=30 min.
Walking tour: D=60 min.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Gemeentegrot, Cauberg 4, 6301 Valkenburg, Tel: +31-43-6012271, Fax: +31-43-6016825.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

~0 first mining by the Romans.

Description

The Gemeentegrot (Town Cave) below Valkenburg is a former quarry. The Romans started 2000 years ago to quarry the marl as building material. The mines were used for millenia, but later they were used for other purposes too. During the centuries the walls of the caves were decorated with paintings and sculptures. This quarries were used during World War II as an air raid shelter for the population of Valkenburg. Every year in December the caves are used for a Christmas market.