Fortifications

For centuries, Maastricht's history has been defined by the presence of soldiers. The Romans were the first to build a fortress, a castellum. That fortress was located on and around Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein. The fortress had to protect the very first bridge across the Maas. In the early 13th century, Maastricht was granted city rights and the construction of a city wall began. A century later, a second city wall was built around it. These building campaigns were the start of Maastricht's development into a fortified city. Because of its strategic location, Maastricht was one of the most important fortress and garrison cities of Northwest Europe for centuries. Many famous historical characters have stood before Maastricht's gates over the centuries: the 'iron duke' Alva, 'city enforcer' Frederick Henry of Orange, and D'Artagnan, the world-famous musketeer.