Description of the attraction
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 had lost their relevance and over time were destroyed, making room for park areas and new structures of 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 in the middle of the 14th century and was known as Spaarnwouder Poort, as the road to Spaarnwoude led from it in an east direction by land, but after the 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 question of demolishing the West Gate was raised in 1865, as it was 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 was declared a national monument and today it is undoubtedly one of the most famous and interesting landmarks in the city.
