Line of Du Moulin, Fortified line in Frontenkwartier, Maastricht, Netherlands
The Line of Du Moulin is a fortified defense system in Maastricht with multiple sections featuring bastions named Prins Frederik, Stadhouder, Erfprins, and Holstein. The layout demonstrates how military engineers of that era designed overlapping firing positions to protect the city from different angles of attack.
This defensive structure was built in 1777 under the guidance of military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban to protect Maastricht from attack. It served its purpose until 1867 when it was closed and no longer needed for the city's defense.
The fortification represents Dutch military engineering excellence and received recognition as a Rijksmonument in 1966 for its architectural and historical value.
You can access this fortification between Sint Lambertuskerk and Cabergerweg, northwest of Statensingel, where the main sections are visible and walkable. Bring comfortable footwear since the terrain is uneven and you will be walking across overgrown areas and historical earthworks.
The fortification clearly shows the shift from traditional city walls to modern defensive designs through its distinctive bastion layout and firing positions. This evolution in military engineering is directly visible in how the various sections are positioned and connected.
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