Geulhemmergroeve, Limestone quarry in Geulhem, Netherlands
Geulhemmergroeve is a limestone quarry beneath Valkenburg featuring approximately 20 kilometers of underground tunnels created by centuries of stone extraction. The network contains various levels and chambers shaped by systematic quarrying of the material over time.
Stone extraction began centuries ago to provide limestone for construction and agriculture, fundamentally shaping the region. During the French Revolution from 1794 onward, the quarry offered refuge to priests who refused to swear allegiance to the occupying forces.
The Orange Gallery displays charcoal drawings and medallions showing members of the Dutch royal family along the passages. As you walk through, these artworks become part of the underground landscape and reflect the area's historical connection to national identity.
Access to the quarry is only possible with a guide, and advance booking is recommended to confirm availability. The underground passages remain relatively cool and damp year-round, so bring warm clothing and be prepared for uneven floor conditions.
The rock walls reveal the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary in the Meerssen Limestone, showing the transition between two geological time periods. This visible evidence of a global geological event makes the site significant for those interested in Earth sciences.
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