Discover the history of d'Artagnan in Maastricht
Over 350 years ago, d'Artagnan was killed in Maastricht during a bloody battle between French and State troops. The history of the famous 'fourth musketeer' still lives on in and around the city. Go on a tour of historical sites and discover what the illustrious life was like for the lieutenant-captain who became famous through the exciting stories about the Three Musketeers by French writer Alexandre Dumas.
The monument of d'Artagnan
In Aldenhofpark, you can see the bronze statue of Charles Debatz-Castelmore, or d'Artagnan. This statue was erected here in 1977 and it stands near the spot where the musketeer lost his life during the Siege of Maastricht in 1673. D'Artagnan led one of the French regiments in the battle for Maastricht. While fighting in the fortifications around the Tongersepoort, he was hit in the throat by a musket ball, leading to his death on 25 June. Five days later, the French managed to capture Maastricht. They remained in power in Maastricht for five years until the Peace of Nijmegen in 1678.
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Monument van d’Artagnan
Monument van d’Artagnan
The statue of d'Artagnan in Maastricht commemorates the famous musketeer and symbolises courage and friendship. More info on Monument van d’Artagnan
Horse grave in Borgharen
A horse grave containing 67 skeletons was discovered in Borgharen in 2010. This was originally thought to be a grave containing remains from the Siege of Maastricht. Indeed, a pipe bowl and a buckle dating from the 18th century were found during the excavations. Since then, there have been many discussions whether this grave dates from the time of d'Artagnan, but it is more likely that the mass grave dates from 1632. In that year, a cavalry battle took place with fighting around a bridge near Borgharen during a siege by Frederick Henry of Orange. On the information board near the horse grave, you can see photos of the excavations that took place here.
St Peter and Paul church in Wolder
It is not known exactly where d'Artagnan's grave is located, but the story goes that he is buried in or near St Peter-and-Paul Church in Wolder. King Louis the XIV was a Catholic and d'Artagnan was his right-hand man as a musketeer. Enough reason to assume that he had d'Artagnan buried in the consecrated ground of the church at the time. Several attempts have been made to trace d'Artagnan's grave, but his remains have not been found to this day. Take a look around the church and its surroundings and imagine what it looked like here during the siege of Maastricht with King Louis XIV's royal tent standing next to the church.
Château Neercanne
In 1673, this castle was most likely a military hospital for the French royal guard, to which d'Artagnan belonged. Visit the chateau, the only terraced castle in the Netherlands with a beautiful baroque garden, and let your imagination run wild. As a tribute to the famous musketeer, Château Neercanne and Maastricht beer brewer Zuyd Craft created 'Bière d'Artagnan' together. This beer is brewed with local ingredients and champagne yeast, and matures in the castle's cellar. Would you like to try it? The beer is on sale at the castle, among other places.
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Château Neercanne
Château Neercanne
This atmospheric à la carte restaurant has a rich cultural and culinary tradition. Find out more about Château Neercanne
