The crumblings ruins of what was once Vigo's strongest fortification date from 1656. Take in wonderful views of Vigo city, the bay, and Ceis islands from this unique vantage point.

‘This is where the cultural, creative, and enterprising urban district Sphinx will arise.’ So reads the ambition behind the plans for the development of the Sphinx area. Plans focus on the place where Maastricht’s industrial revolution began. It was here that Petrus Regout built his ‘Sphinx Factory,’ the start of what grew into an enormous industry, producing bathroom fixtures, tiles, and the products that made Maastricht great. The factory operated until 2006, and since then efforts have been under way to redevelop this area as a district that fits in with the city, but as something Maastricht does not already have. That’s why this district is being designed to attract creative types, young residents, national and international students, and expatriates. It will be internationally oriented, with room for flexible space and temporary functions. Where this area is going is becoming clearer and clearer, in things like the arrival of the pop music stage in a former sawmill, and the newly opened Brandweer(kantine), with workspaces and meeting places for creative entrepreneurs. But not everything in this part of the city is new and different. The historic and picturesque river harbour ‘t Bassin, adjacent to the Sphinx area, makes a perfect buffer for the transition from the more familiar and better known Maastricht to this new part of town.

A stroll around Björkholmen still gives you an insight into how it was in the 18th century. The Björkholmen part of the town can be seen as the other side of the tracks in relation to the parade buildings of Trossö. This is where the first shipyard workers and tradesmen lived in small, low cottages, that sometimes rested directly on the flat rock. The streets on Björkholmen are named after different types of ships and admirals. Enjoy the view over Saltsösund and passing boats.