Maastricht may not be a canal city, but its history and identity has always been wrapped around the Maas river that flows through the middle of the city and its tributaries. Centuries ago when Maastricht was founded there was only one way to get across the Maas. Today there are 5 major bridges in Maastricht itself. To the left is the St. Servatiusburg, the oldest bridge in the Netherlands and a beautiful, understated structure in the center of Maastricht. Built in the 13th century, St. Servatius bridge was repaired and updated several times over its history. Today it only serves pedestrians and bicyclists. To the right is De Hoge Brug ("High Bridge"), built in 2003, and the newest bridge spanning the Maas between the edge of the stadpark and the Centre Ceramique. It's one of the longest one-piece bridges in Europe and is also only open to pedestrians.