Monument of d'Artagnan

On the edge of the Stadspark stands the Monument to d’Artagnan. The bronze statue commemorates the famous French musketeer Charles de Batz de Castelmore, better known as d’Artagnan. He was killed in action on 25 June 1673 during the Siege of Maastricht.

Who was d’Artagnan?
Charles de Batz de Castelmore was captain of King Louis XIV’s musketeers. During the siege of Maastricht, he led an attack on the fortifications, during which he lost his life. His death made a great impression in France.

More than a century and a half later, the writer Alexandre Dumas used the historical d’Artagnan as inspiration for his world-famous novel *The Three Musketeers*. As a result, the French officer became one of the best-known historical figures in world literature.

A monument to a historical figure
The bronze monument was designed by sculptor Alexander Taratynov and unveiled on 21 June 2003 during an international d’Artagnan festival. The monument serves to keep alive the historical link between Maastricht and d’Artagnan. The location was deliberately chosen, as it is situated in the immediate vicinity of the spot where he fell during the siege.

What is there to see?
The monument depicts d’Artagnan with his sword drawn, as if he were charging forward in the thick of battle. The dynamic pose emphasises his courage and determination. From the monument, you can easily continue your walk past the historic fortifications towards the Helpoort, the oldest surviving city gate in the Netherlands.

Fun fact
The famous motto ‘Tous pour un, un pour tous’ (‘All for one, one for all’) is inscribed on the front of the plinth. Thanks to Alexandre Dumas’s *The Three Musketeers*, this has become one of the best-known mottos in world literature.