Helpoort museum and to and in rondeel Vief Köp

Starting point: Helpoort Fortress Museum.

Our enthusiastic guide will meet you at the oldest city gate in the Netherlands, the Helpoort from 1229. She/he will briefly tell you about the fortress history of Maastricht from the Romans until now. Elements from all these periods still remain. The tour takes you along the southern fortress walls.

Along first rampart

Then a guide will take you to a special part of Maastricht where many centuries of fortification history converge. Starting with the Helpoort as part of the first city walling of the ^13th century, an adjustment at a vulnerable part of this walling in the ^15th century to the impregnable roundabout the Five Heads.

Rondeel Vief Köp

It also leads past Poort Waerachtig a ^19th century adaptation (after the fortress was lifted) to give access from the old town to the Villapark, where Maastricht's wealthy established their "retreats. The designer is probably architect Pierre Cuypers (Central Station and Rijksmuseum both in Amsterdam), in consultation with Maastricht historian Victor de Stuers.
After a viewing and explanation in the 't rondeel de Vijf koppen ("Vief Köp"), the tour ends.

Useful information

Duration

approximately 1.5 hours (90 min).

Cost

€ 12.00 p.p., youth up to 12 years € 8.00 p.p.. Tours take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. (not from Jan. 1 through March 15).

Customization is also possible

The day, time and duration of the guided tour are up to you: between 90 and 180 minutes, in which you can choose to visit Fort Waldeck, Fort Willem or Fort Sint Pieter. Requests should be made at least one week in advance. At least six people should participate in a tour. For fewer participants, a flat rate of six times the participant fee will be charged.

For groups of fifteen or more, special rates apply .