Tweet16-06-2010 om 10:00 by Amanda Potter

Hidden behind a screen of houses and trees is the Hoge Fronten (literally the High Fronts), a massive battlement built during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This collection of earthworks, battlements, and dry moats has been used over several generations to protect Maastricht’s residents from invaders and to hide soldiers and civilians when necessary.  Today the Hoge Fronten is a Protected Natural Monument preserved for its cultural significance and importance as a natural habitat.

The Hoge Fronten is shaped roughly as a zig-zagging structure between Cabergerweg and Statensingel along the edge of Maastricht. Trees screen the area from the street, making the Hoge Fronten a bit of a hidden treasure. It took Dan & I a year to realize that it was even there and it is practically in our backyard.  Now I can’t wait to go their for another stroll or maybe a small picnic.

The meandering shape makes it a lovely place for a walk or a challenging jog. Bikes are not allowed in the area, but with good reason. The paths are narrow dirt along the tops of the earthworks and the battlements are quite high. Depending on when you visit, you may find sheep grazing along the Hoge Fronten. In addition to allowing some areas to grow wild and some “ecological” mowing, this is intend to preserve the character of the structure.

The Hoge Fronten also doubles as a natural reserve for the rare muurhagedis (wall lizards) and other fauna that make the walls their home. The placement of the stone and brick surrounded by earthworks has created an extra warm environment for the region. During the summer large parts of the structure’s interior are closed to the public to protect these creatures’ breeding grounds. More areas are open during the winter, and might be worth exploring (with a heavy coat of course).

The Kazematten
Behind the stone walls of the Hoge Fronten is a network of bunkers and tunnels built into the natural marl bedrock of the region. Like the other caverns in the area, the Kazematten is closed to the general public but available for weekly tours (Dutch only). As a fan of underground tours, I know I will be finding a way to see that as well.

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