De Vijf Koppen (The Five Heads) Bastion, Maastricht
De Vief K枚p (The Five Heads), otherwise known as De Drie Duiven (The Three Pigeons), is a late 15th-century/early 16th-century bastion. Together with the nearby Haet ende Nijt it once formed an extension of the original 14th-century second city wall of Maastricht. Both bastions, now parts of the Maastricht City Park, have been national monuments since 1966.
Just like most of the city fortifications, The Five Heads was initially unnamed. In the 17th century, the names "die Duive" or "de Drie Duiven" were used, after a nearby inn. Quite possibly, this name also refers to the three Jeker branches that meet here. In 1638, after the failed Betrayal of Maastricht, the severed heads of the five main suspects were displayed here on a stake. The name De Vijf Koppen came into use perhaps only in the late 19th century, when calls were made for the rehabilitation of the 'Catholic traitors'.
The Li猫ge-Maastricht Canal, dug in 1845-50, ran close to De Vijf Koppen, forming a turning basin, officially called Zwanengracht. After the abolition of Maastricht's fortress in 1867, large parts of the medieval city walls and most of the outbuildings were demolished, clearing space for the construction of the Stadspark in 1888.
As a part of it, the Zwanengracht was made into a pond. In 1973, a large fountain was placed in the pond around the bastion, powered by ten water pumps and illuminated by forty spotlights. Nowadays, the variable play of the water jets goes on every few minutes.
On March 24, 2019, part of the ramparts at the Five Heads collapsed.
Just like most of the city fortifications, The Five Heads was initially unnamed. In the 17th century, the names "die Duive" or "de Drie Duiven" were used, after a nearby inn. Quite possibly, this name also refers to the three Jeker branches that meet here. In 1638, after the failed Betrayal of Maastricht, the severed heads of the five main suspects were displayed here on a stake. The name De Vijf Koppen came into use perhaps only in the late 19th century, when calls were made for the rehabilitation of the 'Catholic traitors'.
The Li猫ge-Maastricht Canal, dug in 1845-50, ran close to De Vijf Koppen, forming a turning basin, officially called Zwanengracht. After the abolition of Maastricht's fortress in 1867, large parts of the medieval city walls and most of the outbuildings were demolished, clearing space for the construction of the Stadspark in 1888.
As a part of it, the Zwanengracht was made into a pond. In 1973, a large fountain was placed in the pond around the bastion, powered by ten water pumps and illuminated by forty spotlights. Nowadays, the variable play of the water jets goes on every few minutes.
On March 24, 2019, part of the ramparts at the Five Heads collapsed.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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De Vijf Koppen (The Five Heads) Bastion on Map
Sight Name: De Vijf Koppen (The Five Heads) Bastion
Sight Location: Maastricht, Netherlands (See walking tours in Maastricht)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Maastricht, Netherlands (See walking tours in Maastricht)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Maastricht, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Maastricht
Creating your own self-guided walk in Maastricht is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Statues and Monuments Tour
The citizens of Maastricht are reputed to be spiritual and have a good sense of humor. Their attitude towards life, as well as their customs and traditions, are vividly reflected in the numerous statues and monuments scattered throughout the city.
Among these is the Statue of Jan Pieter Minckeleers, commemorating the local inventor of gas lighting. Another notable figure is the Mooswief, also... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Among these is the Statue of Jan Pieter Minckeleers, commemorating the local inventor of gas lighting. Another notable figure is the Mooswief, also... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Maastricht's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Founded by the Romans some 2,000 years ago, the charming city of Maastricht is one of the oldest in the Netherlands. Its long history is manifested in numerous remnants, including religious and secular buildings of any form. Over the course of the centuries, Maastricht has garnered a wealth of architecture, featuring a variety of styles: Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque and Renaissance.
Cultural... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Cultural... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Maastricht Introduction Walking Tour
Maastricht is an ancient city known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
In the first century AD, the Romans built a bridge across the Meuse river. A settlement grew near the bridge. Maastricht's name means "a place to cross the Meuse river". Today, a pillar marks this location of the original Roman bridge.
The Roman settlement was small,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
In the first century AD, the Romans built a bridge across the Meuse river. A settlement grew near the bridge. Maastricht's name means "a place to cross the Meuse river". Today, a pillar marks this location of the original Roman bridge.
The Roman settlement was small,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Maastricht Ancient Fortification Sites
As a key meeting point for European cultures and trading routes, Maastricht for millennia had been the site of many battles. Once known as the "Bulwark of the Netherlands", the city earned its reputation thanks to the impenetrable defenses that lasted through multiple attacks on its strategic position.
The very first fortifications in Maastricht appeared around the 1200s. Some of them... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
The very first fortifications in Maastricht appeared around the 1200s. Some of them... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles