History
1500-1800

Image of Maastricht in 1673

Scroll down

Garrison city

Thanks to its strategic location - on the Meuse and Roman road 'Via Belgica' - Maastricht became an important garrison city. A large part of its inhabitants were soldiers under alternating Spanish, French or Dutch rule. For centuries, Maastricht was the scene of war after war and all kinds of stormings. This greatly influenced the design of the city with the construction of fortifications. Let history come alive by taking a look at historical remnants of these.

  • Fort Sint Pieter overview

Fort Sint Pieter

On Mount Saint Peter (Mount Saint Peter (st. Pietersberg Hill)), the striking Fort Sint Pieter is a reminder of the centuries-long presence of soldiers. On the outside, you can clearly see the fort's embrasures, but on the flattened earth in the dark cannon gallery inside the structure, you really get a good idea of the soldiers' former workplace. This is why Maastricht Underground's guided tours are so insanely interesting. A guide will take you through the fort's corridor system and teach you all about the history of this place. Fort Sint Pieter was built in 1701 in response to the spectacular siege of Maastricht by the French Sun King. In 1673, Louis XIV captured the city in record time with cannons from Mount Saint Peter.

  • View through Fort Sint Pieter Maastricht

De Hoofdwacht

On the Vrijthof you will find the former Main Guard. In the 18th century, the military changed guards here. The high lords within the army sat permanently on Vrijthof to guard the keys of the seven gates. You won't find soldiers there now, but de Hoofdwacht can still be admired from the outside. Simple soldiers lived in tall barracks buildings called 'barracks' by locals in the 18th century. Some street names in Maastricht such as Achter de Barakken and Hoge Barakken recall this era.

  • De Hoofdwacht

    Former military guard building. When Maastricht was a fortified city, this is where the army decided how to keep order and security in the city. More info about De Hoofdwacht

    De Hoofdwacht
  • Vrijthof Maastricht Sint Servaas and Sint Jan church

D'Artagnan

D'Artagnan is world-famous for the many stories and tales that have been published about him. This musketeer was born in Lupiac in southern France and he spent his entire life crossing Europe on horseback in the service of King Louis XIV. His career came to an abrupt end when he was hit by a musket ball during a siege of Maastricht in 1673. You will find a statue of d'Artagnan in Maastricht's Stadspark (city park) to commemorate this event.

Statue of d'Artagnan in Maastricht

More history

This website uses cookies

This website uses cookies (Functional, Analytical, Marketing) which are necessary for the website to function as well as possible. By clicking accept, you indicate your agreement with this.