West gate (Amsterdamse Poort) description and photos - Netherlands: Haarlem (Topic)

West gate (Amsterdamse Poort) description and photos - Netherlands: Haarlem. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Amsterdamse Poort.

Photo and description

Like many medieval cities, the Dutch Haarlem, which received the status of a city in 1245, was reliably protected for centuries by massive fortress walls, deep moats and ramparts. The first fortifications were supposedly built around 1270, but the city developed and gradually expanded its borders - new fortifications were built, old ones were reconstructed or demolished.

By the 19th century, the defensive walls lost their relevance and were eventually destroyed. freeing up space for parks and new structures in the growing city. Nevertheless, the Western Gate or Amsterdamse Poort, the only of the twelve gates of Haarlem, has survived to this day from the fortifications of old Haarlem. This gate was built back in the middle of the 14th century and was known as Spaarnwouder Poort. as the road to Spaarnwoude led from them in an easterly direction by land, but after Haarlem Trekwart was dug in 1631, connecting Haarlem and Amsterdam and significantly shortening the path between these two cities, the gate was named Amsterdamse Poort.

The issue of demolishing the Western Gate was raised in 1865, as they were in a rather poor condition and interfered with the construction of a new bridge. However, there was not enough money for a new bridge and the city authorities decided to repair the gate. In 1867, an ammunition depot was set up in one of the premises of the West Gate (after the demolition of the Papentoren tower), and by 1869 the old bridge was reconstructed and the question of demolishing the West Gate was closed.

In 1960, the West Gate of Haarlem were declared a national monument and today it is undoubtedly

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Topic: West gate (Amsterdamse Poort) description and photos - Netherlands: Haarlem.