{"id":2385,"date":"2026-04-20T12:57:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T12:57:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gemeentegrot.nl\/?page_id=2385"},"modified":"2026-04-28T10:41:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T10:41:53","slug":"the-stone-cutters","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gemeentegrot.nl\/en\/stories-about-the-cave\/the-stone-cutters\/","title":{"rendered":"The Stone Cutters"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Stone Cutters<\/h1>
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The Stone Cutters<\/h1> \n
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The formation of the cave<\/h2>

Long before visitors walked through the passages of the Municipal Cave, stone cutters worked here. Around 1250, they began quarrying marlstone here. Using simple tools such as a chisel and, later, a saw and a gouge, they cut blocks of marlstone from the mountain, one by one. This is how the network of passages you see today came to be. It was hard work: they worked long hours in a constant temperature of 12 degrees, and the only light came from a small flame.<\/p>\n

The marlstones were initially intended primarily for churches, castles and other buildings belonging to the nobility and the clergy. Later, the marl was also used by the local population. If you look closely, you can still see the work of the stone cutters in the walls and ceilings today. Straight lines reveal where the chisels were used, and the smooth walls show the work of the saws. There are also places where stone cutters carved their accounts into the marl walls. In this way, the passages tell not only the story of the cave, but also that of the stone cutters who created it centuries ago.<\/p>\n

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Visitors' Experiences<\/h3>

Discover the stories of those who have visited before you and find out why they consider the Valkenburg Municipal Cave the perfect day trip. From its impressive history to its mysterious passages, our visitors share their unique experiences that make the tour an unforgettable experience. Find out why you too should discover this special place.<\/p>\n

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4.3 based on 7,5k reviews<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Jeroen Bolhuis<\/h3>\n

We went on a wonderful walking tour here with an experienced guide. They took their time to show us everything. Our questions were answered thoroughly and it was a really enjoyable tour.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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November 2025<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Diana Bastiaansen<\/h3>\n

It was a lovely experience, but what really stood out were the explanations provided by our guide and the train driver. It\u2019s definitely something worth doing if you\u2019re in Valkenburg.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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October 2025<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Jeroen de W<\/h3>\n

We went on the train tour today. It was a lovely experience and our 8-year-old son absolutely loved it. The guide\/conductor\/driver was very friendly. He gave a clear and interesting explanation, and we got a good sense of just how big this cave is.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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August 2026<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Chris Dhous<\/h3>\n

Informative in every aspect, covering history, traditional crafts and the war. All these topics are covered, and above all, it\u2019s an enjoyable walk underground.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Silvester den dekker<\/h3>\n

Highly recommended if you’re in Valkenburg. We did the walking tour, which was great fun. The guide was really enthusiastic and cracked a few jokes along the way. We took part with our two children, and they had no trouble keeping up.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Jan J<\/h3>\n

Quite a surprise. A hidden world underground. The guide on our little train had to combine his driving skills with a good narrative about the history, the drawings and the sculptures. Even our teenagers thought it was cool (and chilly, so bring a jumper or jacket).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Ivo Theunissen<\/h3>\n

A fascinating tour exploring the lives of the stone breakers in Valkenburg. Along the way, there are interesting artworks and depictions of what animals and nature might have looked like in the past.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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October 2026<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Rob Kok<\/h3>\n

Ger the guide is brilliant. We went with a group of eight, including four children, and it was really interesting and told in a really entertaining way.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>

Take a look at our FAQs. Can’t find the answer to your question? Please feel free to contact us.<\/p>\n

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