Down Under
Rijckholt-Valkenburg
There is a fascinating world to be found beneath the surface of South-Limburg. Since Neolithic times men used the layers of flint in the marlstone and the marlstone itself for building activities. Sometimes, the caves were used afterwards as underground church or even transformed to a bunker from the Cold War. These underground structures that are made by human hands, are a comprehensive study to the industrial-archaeological aspects.
One of the original mine shafts of the very famous flint mine Rijckholt will be visited during this excursion. Afterwards we will drive to Valkenburg where we visit the Katakomben (catacombs). This is a replica of the Roman catacombs made by a 19th century very wealthy family to honour their Christian roots. Here we will enjoy our lunch and visit the Roman temple. At the Gemeentegrot Valkenburg (cave) we will see the use of marlstone for different purposes.
Program
Guide: J. Orbons
Date: 29th August
08:30 Departure from Maasboulevard ((Hoeg Brök) by bus
09:00 Arrival Rijckholt, start walk to visit the flint mine in Savelsbos
09:00 Walk from Rijckholt to Savelsbos
11:00 Departure to Valkenburg
11:30 Visit to the Catacombs of Valkenburg. The group will be split in three different tours
1.The classical archaeology of the Catacombs
2.The function of the caves during WWII
3.General story about this copy from a Roman Catacomb
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Visit to the Gemeentegrot Valkenburg
14:00 Presentation about medieval exploitation of chalkstone quarries
15:00 Visit to the medieval galleries and the Cold War bunker
16:30 Departure from Valkenburg
17:00 Arrival in Maastricht