Helpoort is a historical gate in the city of Maastricht, Netherlands. It is the oldest surviving city gate in the country, dating back to the 13th century. The name Helpoort means «Gate of Hell» in the local dialect, referring to the fire that destroyed the nearby buildings in 1400.
The ticket price for visiting Helpoort is 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for children under 12. The ticket also includes access to the adjacent wall tower and the exhibition about the history of Maastricht’s fortifications.
Helpoort is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays and on some public holidays. Check the official website for more information.
To get to Helpoort, you can take bus number 3 or 9 from the central station and get off at Sint Pieterstraat. Alternatively, you can walk for about 15 minutes from the city center, following the signs for Helpoort.
What to see at Helpoort? You can admire the medieval architecture of the gate and the tower, which have been restored several times over the centuries. You can also explore the exhibition that showcases models, maps, weapons and other artifacts related to Maastricht’s defensive system. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top of the tower.
Some tips for visiting Helpoort are: wear comfortable shoes, as there are many stairs to climb; bring a camera, as there are many photo opportunities; and visit early or late in the day, as it can get crowded during peak hours.
If you want to learn more about Helpoort and Maastricht’s history, you can join one of the guided tours that are offered by the local tourist office. The tours last about an hour and cost 6 euros per person. You can book your tour online or at the ticket office.
Some prohibitions at Helpoort are: smoking, eating and drinking inside the gate and the tower; touching or damaging any of the exhibits; and making loud noises or disturbing other visitors.
