The “Helpoort” of Maastricht

The word “hel” has nothing to do with the English word “hell” but with a word that comes from the local dialect, under the influence of the German language. It means “this is the gate to the light” The gate is part of the defense wall of the Dutch city of Maastricht, built in 1229, made of big bricks. The city was founded in the year 50 after Christ, by the Roman army who had there a primitive bridge over the river Maas, for the battalions who moved to and fro between the cities of Cologne and...