Koppel Gate

The Koppelpoort, together with the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, is the emblem of Amersfoort. Even the well-known Koppelpoort suffered years of being in poor condition. This special gate, which also served the function of regulating the water level in the city, was part of the second city wall and was built around 1400. After 1700, the economy in the Netherlands, but especially in Amersfoort, declined. The city quickly fell into disrepair, and when the city wall was demolished in the nineteenth century, discussions arose about whether the very dilapidated Koppelpoort should also be demolished.

Due to protests from the archaeological association Flehite, the Koppelpoort was not demolished but was restored in 1886 according to the design of city architect W.H. Kam. The architect received assistance from specialist Pierre Cuypers, known for among other things Amsterdam Central Station, the Rijksmuseum, and Castle De Haar. During the restoration, the structure on the right was removed, and the gate was given battlements to give it a more medieval appearance.

routeburo