city wall

A city wall is a wall of a city that formed a defense against enemies. It could be a combination of a defensive wall and ramparts. In addition, city walls also fulfilled a fiscal and a symbolic function. Walled cities were especially prevalent in pre-modern Europe, Asia and Africa, while the New World had hardly any.

The impressive Sassenpoort was built in 1406 and has become the symbol of Zwolle. The gate is made of brick and natural stone. Two bells from 1731 still hang in the tower. The clockwork dates from 1937. The gate is accessed via a narrow staircase in the northeast tower that leads to the exhibition space on the first floor. An exhibition has been set up here about the history of the gate and the city.