Sassenpoort

Zwolle, Netherlands

The Sassenpoort is a gatehouse in the citywall of Zwolle, Netherlands. It was build in 1409 after Zwolle city became a member of the Hanseatic League in 1407. The city gates represent the wealth of this period. In the period between 1893 and 1898 restoration work took place. The dormers were made, and a neogothic spire clock tower was installed, replacing an earlier 18th century spire. In between the corner towers is a machicolation. From holes in the floor of this outer work, boiling oil could be thrown at enemies. The gatehouse is a rijksmonument since 1967 and is part of the Top 100 Dutch heritage sites. The gate now serves as a pedestrian road.

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Address

Sassenstraat 51-53, Zwolle, Netherlands
See all sites in Zwolle

Details

Founded: 1409
Category: Castles and fortifications in Netherlands

More Information

www.sassenpoortzwolle.nl
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


St. Michael's Church (0,3 km)
St. Andreas' Church (4,3 km)


Het Loo Palace (32,3 km)
Lebuïnuskerk (29 km)
St. Nicholas Church (29,1 km)
St. Walburgis Church (41,8 km)
Broederenkerk (28,7 km)
Wouda Pumping Station (46,7 km)
Martinikerk (55,1 km)
Bovenkerk (12,9 km)
Crackstate (51,5 km)

User Reviews

Sander Smeenk (7 months ago)
Nice big old city defense tower in Zwolle. The volunteers are very nice and love to give historical background about the place. Up top are old prisoncells and the old clock!
3b Warwick (8 months ago)
Zwolle history at it's best.
Naga kumar (10 months ago)
Good place to visit! It's very close to the Zwolle Railway Station. It is present very close to the road. The usual traffic and pedestrians movement is present everytime at the Sassenport. Also, there are many company offices near the monument. There are doors which open on few days a year and the stairs lead to the top of the Sassenport. All the major monuments of Zwolle are situated in the shape of a star! So, exploring the major places in Zwolle is very convenient by walk and at last you will end up at the Zwolle Railway Station.
Peter M (10 months ago)
The beauty of this historic building is enhanced by the tour guides who gave extensive historic details about the history of Zwolle which was an important trading city since the 14th century. This is one of the many places that makes Zwolle such an interesting and fun place to visit without the crowds of other Dutch historic cities
Martin Rowe (12 months ago)
Stunning piece of early brick architecture. Guides were warm and welcoming, too.
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Over the next 30 years, the castle was badly damaged by numerous Turkish campaigns. On 5 October 1509, Emperor Maximilian I handed the castle as a pledge to Matthäus Lang von Wellenburg, then Bishop of Gurk. Bishop Lang undertook a substantial renovation project for the damaged castle.

About 1541, German king Ferdinand I of Habsburg bestowed Hochosterwitz upon the Carinthian governor Christof Khevenhüller. In 1571, Baron George Khevenhüller acquired the citadel by purchase. He fortified to deal with the threat of Turkish invasions of the region, building an armory and 14 gates between 1570 and 1586. Such massive fortification is considered unique in citadel construction.

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