{"id":1844,"date":"2026-04-03T10:17:03","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T10:17:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gemeentegrot.nl\/?page_id=1844"},"modified":"2026-04-28T21:18:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T21:18:23","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gemeentegrot.nl\/en\/contact\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About us"},"content":{"rendered":"
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About us<\/h1>
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About us<\/h1> \n
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\n \"Real\n \n

Real and honest stories<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"Authentic\n \n

Authentic historical heritage<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"Passionate\n \n

Passionate guides with personal stories<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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A unique train experience<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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110 hectares of tunnel system<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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4.3 on Google Reviews<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Accessible to everyone<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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The hidden history<\/h2>

The Municipal Cave has a history dating back centuries. Over the years, each period has left its own mark and stories. Together, they form a network of passages with a rich history that is still visible today. In the timeline below, we take you through some of the highlights of that history.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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1250 <\/h2>

The start of marl extraction in the Municipal Cave using pickaxes and saws.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

1650<\/h2>

The chisel is gradually being replaced by the gouging chisel.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

1845-1846<\/h2>

Major collapse in the cave. The passage leading to the Velvet Cave is blocked.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

1885<\/h2>

The first tourist information office was opened, marking the start of tourism in Valkenburg.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

1886<\/h2>

Another major collapse. Part of the cave becomes unsuitable for marl extraction, and quarry managers are appointed.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

1939<\/h2>

Signs have been placed in the cave to indicate where people could take shelter in the event of a threat of war.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

September 1944 <\/h2>

Around 3000 residents of Valkenburg took shelter in the Municipality Cave during the liberation.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

After WWII<\/h2>

Marble stones from the cave are being used to repair damaged houses in Valkenburg.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

1948 <\/h2>

The first World Cycling Championship in Valkenburg, with the Cauberg as the finish line. The beginning of cycling history in the cave.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

1975 <\/h2>

Start of construction of a large air-raid shelter in the cave during the Cold War.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

1979<\/h2>

The air-raid shelter, which can accommodate around 15,000 people, is being completed.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

1989<\/h2>

Maintenance of the air-raid shelter was discontinued after the end of the Cold War.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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1250 <\/div>
1650<\/div>
1845-1846<\/div>
1885<\/div>
1886<\/div>
1939<\/div>
September 1944 <\/div>
After WWII<\/div>
1948 <\/div>
1975 <\/div>
1979<\/div>
1989<\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Marble from the caves was not only used locally, but also exported to other parts of the Netherlands.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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From around 1250 to 1920, marl was quarried by block-cutters in the Municipal Cave.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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