Forticfications
The history of Maastricht begins when the Romans built a settlement by the main road, near a ford in the river. The city's name is derived from the Latin 'Mosae Trajectum', the site where the Meuse could be crossed. Maastricht has had to withstand many sieges, because of the Meuse crossing it was an important town strategically, and Dutch, Spanish and French armies laying to siege to Maastricht frequently. Maastricht still retains a good many of the city’s ancient ramparts. The history of the fortified city of Maastricht can be presented on several ways.

Fortress walk
Martial history is the leitmotif of this walk. You still can see the old fortifications on several locations in town. This walk covers the area along and partially over the city walls, the Helpoort, the oldest existing and active city gate in the Netherlands (1229) and various watch towers. This walk under the expert guidance of a VVV host takes about an hour and a half. The guide will surprise you with some unique spots you would never have found on your own.

Admission prices for grottoes & fortifications
• Adults € 3,75
• Children under 12 years € 2,75
• Evening rate (starting at 18.00 hours) € 5,50
• Minimum price per tour for groups € 52,50
• Minimum price per tour € 77,00
for groups (starting at 18.00 hours)
• Surcharge both Christmas days € 25,00
(per guide)

Fort St. Pieter
Fort St. Pieter lies at the northern most point of Mount St. Pieter and was constructed in 1701-1702. It rises up from a pentagonal base plan, with 2 major galleries at its centre and a circumferential gallery round its five sides. An official Tourist Guide will show you round these galleries and the shell-proof chambers; you can look down into the depths of the water-well and, weather permitting, climb up to enjoy the magnificent view across the city and surrounding countryside. The guided tour takes about one hour. Not accessible for wheelchair-users.

St. Pietersberg Grottoes
In the St. Pietersberg, a hill at the South side of Maastricht, the reclamation of marl as a building material has resulted in a vast labyrinth of corridors. It is a wonderful experience to walk on the floor of a former sea under the guidance of a VVV guide. Even today the walls and ceilings give information about the way in which the 'block breakers' worked. On the walls can be found numerous interesting inscriptions and drawings. A visit to these grottoes lasts for about an hour. The temperature in the corridors is a constant 10º Celsius A vest, sweater or jacket and robust footwear are advised. Two corridor systems in the St. Pietersberg are open to visitors:

- Northern Corridor System
Departure form Chalet Bergrust, Luikerweg 71, Maastricht

- Zonneberg Corridor System
Departure from Buitengoed Slavante, Slavante 1 (St. Pietersberg near ENCI).

Tongerseweg cemetery
The 200-year-old cemetery on the Tongerseweg road is a beautiful, peaceful garden with many rare trees and plants and varied wildlife. Monumental gravestones - often decorated with works by well-known Maastricht artists - conjure up the memory of the people buried there. Former mayors, artists, politicians, industrialists, clergymen, prominent city figures and victims of war and violence lie among the ordinary folk of Maastricht, each one with his or her own story.

Casemates
Between 1575 and 1825, mining activities created a network of galleries at Maastricht's western limits. These mining galleries were used in times of siege for subterranean approach and elimination of the enemy. The tour lasts about 1 hour and is led by an official VVV Tourist Office guide who gives the visitor an impression of the 'how and why' of this unique military monument with its domed vaults, impressive shellproof refuges, powder rooms, plunging steps and a variety of galleries. Not accessible for wheelchair-users. Departure from the Waldeck Bastion entrance near Tongerseplein.

More information via the Maastricht Tourist Board