ENCI limestone quarry, Limestone quarry in Sint Pieter, Maastricht, Netherlands.
ENCI limestone quarry is an extraction site in Maastricht featuring deep cuts into the earth with kilometers-long stone walls that expose visible geological layers. The excavation spreads across a very large area with varying depths, clearly showing the scale of mining operations over many decades.
The quarry began operating in 1921 extracting limestone for cement production under a Dutch company. Mining activities continued for over a century until operations ended in 2018.
The quarry walls display traces from the Cretaceous period and draw visitors interested in ancient rock layers and fossil discoveries. The site holds meaning for people because it makes geological history directly visible and tangible.
Visitors find marked walking paths and observation points throughout the site with occasional guided tours arranged by local nature conservation groups. The best time to visit is during good weather since trails and viewpoints are outdoors and can be uncomfortable in rain.
In 1765 workers at the quarry discovered a complete skull of a Mosasaurus, an ancient marine reptile from prehistoric times. This find remains one of the most important paleontological treasures from the region and is preserved in local museums.
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