Starting point: Helpoort
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.
City wall
We will walk from the first rampart (13th century) to the second rampart (15th century) and dwell on the reasons for the city's expansion as well as fortification technicalities. During the walk anecdotes will be told about various sieges but also of trickery, and treachery. From Alkmaar to Zierikzee (and also Maastricht), the end of the fortifications in the 19th century meant the construction of leafy parks.
Restoration
For over five centuries, the city wall on the south side remained proudly standing. The defensive work withstood a whole series of sieges by Spaniards, State troops and French. It escaped the 19th-century demolition frenzy. But on March 23, 2019, the structure still collapsed with a thunderous roar. The subsequent restoration brought forth numerous new insights.
D'Artagnan
At the most southwest corner of the city wall, Louis XIV's troops managed to breach the wall in 1673, leaving the city open for capture. The Maastricht people chose to surrender to avoid burning. But the French also suffered losses. Musketeer Charles de Batz de Castelmore , Count of d'Artagnan died here in front of the former gate of Tongeren. A statue recalls it.
Useful information
Duration
approximately 1.5 hours (90 min).
Cost
€ 9.50 p.p., youth up to 12 years € 6.00 p.p.. Reservations can be made up to four days before the desired date/time. A tour requires at least six people to participate.
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 .
Starting Point
Helpoort located at the end of rue Bernard, from here through the first and second ramparts, past the spot where Louis XIV's troops made a breach in the city wall, to the statue of d'Artagnan located near rue des Tongres.
Practical information
Parking
Q-parkOL Vrouwe or Q-park Mosae Forum
Public transportation
Bus lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 15 (Mosae Forum stop)
Requesting tour "From Helpoort to d'Artagnan"
Please fill out our request form to book your tour.
This is not a final reservation yet, but a request that we will be happy to help you with.
You will receive a confirmation email from us with all the details.