Jekerkwartier in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Helpoort / Hell Gate

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 26, 2023

1. Helpoort / Hell Gate Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

De Helpoort is de enige middeleeuwse stadspoort die in Maastricht gespaard bleef. De poort behoort tot de eerste ommuring uit het midden van de 13 de eeuw. In de Middeleeuwen droeg de poort de naam Hoogbruggenpoort, omdat ze vlak achter een hoge Jekerbrug lag. De naam Helpoort ontstond pas in de 18 de eeuw en is ontleend aan het nabij gelegen huis "In de Helle": deze huisnaam komt vaker voor bij smederijen en bakkerijen.

(English translation:)

The Helpoort is the only remaining medieval city gate in Maastricht. The gate is part of the first city wall from the mid-13th century. In the Middle Ages the gate was called Hoogbruggenpoort (“High Bridge Gate”), because it was located just behind a high bridge on the Jeker. The name Helpoort only emerged in the 18th century and is taken from the nearby house In de Helle (“In Hell”): this house name is more common in forges and bakeries.

Erected by The ANWB, VVV.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.

Location.

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50° 50.732′ N, 5° 41.656′ E. Marker is in Maastricht, Limburg. It is in Jekerkwartier. Marker is at the intersection of Helpoort and Sint Bernardusstraat, on the left when traveling east on Helpoort. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Maastricht, Limburg 6211 HK, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stadsommuring, Poorten en Torens / City Walls, Gates and Towers I (a few steps from this marker); Papiermolen ‘De Ancker’ / “The Anchor” Paper Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Waterpoort Achter de Minderbroeders / “Behind the Franciscans” Water Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Jekertoren / Jeker Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Faliezustersklooster / Sisters of the Veil Convent (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Poort Waerachtig / “Waerachtig” Gate (about 120 meters away); Non Sum Qualis Eram (about 120 meters away); Franciscanen- of Minderbroederskerk / Franciscan or “Little Brothers” Church (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maastricht.

Also see . . . Helpoort (Visit Maastricht).

Extract: Hells Gate is part of the original city wall, built after Henry I, Duke of Brabant, gave permission for its construction in April 1229. It is the only remaining city gate in Maastricht and the oldest
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 26, 2023

2. Helpoort / Hell Gate Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here in the right side of the arch recess.
city gate in the Netherlands. For about two centuries, the gate was part of the city's actual fortifications. It lost this function when the Nieuwstad (New City), the area south of the gate, was surrounded by a wall in the second half of the 15th century. It was then used for various purposes: a meeting place for the cloth fullers or walkers, an armoury, a powder storehouse and a residence.

(Submitted on November 22, 2023.)

Helpoort / Hell Gate image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 26, 2023

3. Helpoort / Hell Gate

circa 1925

4. Helpoort

Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 22, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.