Standing poignantly at the northern borders of St. Petersburg in Maastricht, Netherlands is Fort St. Pieter. The fort was built in the 18th century to fortify the city against the vicious attacks by the French. The city was often referred to as the ‘Iron City’, due to the fact that the fort was so well designed and provided a tall shield to the city.

This beautiful building is now a national monument and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Fort St. Pieter attributes height to the land and because of its steep majestic appeal many people refer to it as the biggest mountain of the city. The many mazes of passages that run through the fort also connect visitors to the wonderful Marl caves that are found below the city. As you walk through the fort you will notice the crevices for the artillery. Fort St. Pieter was long since decommissioned and had been restored in 2011 as a tourist spot.  There are several guided tours that take place at Fort St. Pieter. These tours offer insight into the 300-year-old fort and the magnitude of relief it brought to the city.

Once you have toured around and discovered the various aspects of the fort, be sure to spend some time soaking in the majestic view of Maastricht in the distance. You can also spend some time reminiscing about the hike up while you click glasses with fellow visitors at the restaurant in Fort St. Pieter.