Translating to “Hell’s Gate” in English, Helpoort is oldest existing city gate in the Netherlands, a historic monument with an intriguing past. While Helpoort now houses a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of the city of Maastricht, this fortified gate once held various positions as an armoury, a prison, and a blacksmith’s workshop. Some may say that the gate’s ominous name derived from its stint as a hellish prison, while others argue that it arose from the fiery heat emanating from the blacksmith’s workshop. Regardless, it is undeniable that Helpoort houses spectacular views of the city atop its towers. As the gateway to the city centre, Helpoort is also the ideal place to start off your inner city walk, perhaps with a few commemorative snapshots of the picturesque stone walls and its red accents. You could also choose to take a town trail that brings you through the city’s monuments – including Helpoort – by visiting the Tourist Information Centre adjacent. From city sights to historical facts, Helpoort is the best way to immerse in the medieval side of the quaint city.