Groothoofdspoort, South Holland Province, The Netherlands
4.5 (71 reviews) Spent < 1 hour Ranking #6 in Dordrecht Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
A city gate at the nicest part/ view in town, at the point where three rivers come together..
This is the only remaining citygate in Dordrecht... the foundations of this gate date back from the fourteenth century, but it's current state and look dates back from the 17th century. It is different from any other city gate that I have seen in the Netherlands, both in colour and with it's decorations... This really is a must see!. not only for the Gate itself, but also this point of town with a great view on the water and all the terraces/ restaurants/ cafes that are there. The Gate is currently part of a Hotel/ Restaurant, but you can still see it and go under it without having to go and eat there. Without having seen this city gate your day in Dordrecht would not have been complete!.
Address
Palingstraat 2, 3311 BM Dordrecht The Netherlands
Website
http://www.wekdordrecht.nl/toerisme-dordrecht/groothoofdspoort-dordrecht/
Current local date and time now
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 4:31
User Ratings
4.5 based on (71 reviews)
Reviews
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4Keenomanjaro 5:00 PM Aug 31, 2020
Grand city gate
Large, ornate 14th Century city gate at the Northern end of the historic part of Dordrecht city centre. The gate has an intricate decorative design which commemorates various events associated with the city. The location, at the point where three rivers converge, is also very pleasant and, with a few cafe terraces close by, well worth spending a bit of time at.
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4Robert O 5:00 PM Jun 4, 2018
Once most central gate in the Netherlands
Dordrecht is located at a strategic junction of three rivers in the borderland between Holland and Brabant. The Earls of Holland and Dukes of Brabant were bitter rivals in the 13th and 14th century low lands. Once the city got the priviledge of imposing tax on all transportation on the three rivers in 1299, its significance increased dramatically. Ships would dock at the groot hoofd (great quay). Merchants and goods would enter the city through the gate (Groothoofdspoort). The original structure dates from 1450 but is hardly visible as a newer early 17th century gate was constructed covering it. The riverside facade of the gate is the most interesting. The city virgin is depicted sitting in a fenced garden symbolizing her unmarried status, but also the invincibility of the city. It is unknown if virgins within the city walls were really safe.
