Overlooking the Sint-Pietersberg hill, Fort Sint Pieter is a landmark site in Maastricht. Built between 1701 and 1702, it was part of the city’s defensive fortifications until 1867. Today, designated as a national monument (rijksmonument), it is a popular tourist attraction known for its history and impressive views.
Galerie photos
ArthurMcGill, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
History & Architecture
The pentagon-shaped fort was commissioned by Maastricht’s military governor, Daniël Wolff Baron van Dopff, to protect the city from possible attacks coming from the south. This construction became essential after the French troops of Louis XIV had used the Sint-Pietersberg hill in 1673 to bombard the city walls of Maastricht.
Over the centuries, the fort underwent several transformations. In 1717, it even welcomed Tsar Peter the Great during an official visit. During the siege of Maastricht in 1794, the French attacked it from the rear, marking the beginning of its strategic decline. With the dissolution of the city’s fortified status in 1867, Fort Sint Pieter permanently lost its military function.
A must-see tourist site
After renovations completed in 2014, the fort is now open to visitors. Guided tours allow you to explore its underground galleries and learn about its military role. From its summit, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Maastricht and its surroundings. With its old casemates and natural setting, Fort Sint Pieter is a place where history and adventure meet.