Jaap van 't Veen's photos with the keyword: Weesp

The town hall of Weesp was built between 1772 and 1776 and was designed by architect Jacob Otten Husly. Although much smaller, the building is more or less similar to the former town hall of Amsterdam (now Paleis op de Dam ). The neoclassical building was a prestige object and relatively large for the city's population. Distilleries and breweries ensured Weesp's prosperity in those days. The wealthy distillers and brewers had seats in the town government and wanted to show off their wealth to the outside world. The town hall served as an administrative building, but it was also used to administer justice. The dungeons and the vierschaar (a historical term for a tribunal in ther Netherlands) used in the process can still be seen. Today, part of the town hall is used for weddings and other official meetings. In addition, part of the building is used by the local museum of Weesp, with, among other things, a collection of porcelain (in the period 1759-1768, the first porcelain of the Netherlands was produced in Weesp). The town hall of Weesp is a Dutch national monument.

Fort Ossenmarkt (Fort Ox Market) in the fortified town of Weesp was built to defend the two banks of the river Vecht, the locks, and the Amsterdam–Hilversum railway with the bridge over the Vecht. The small tower fort is dating back to the year of 1861. Later, a protective wall was erected on the east side and the moat was filled. In 1983-1985, this wall was removed and the moat and bridge were restored to their former glory. After 1815, the fortified town of Weesp formed part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie (New Dutch Waterline). In 1892 the town was incorporated into the Defence Line of Amsterdam. A while ago Fort Ossenmarkt was restored. The former engineering site houses a garden shop and the wooden artillery depot - dating back to 1877 - is used as an exhibition space. In addition, the Fort at the Ossenmarkt houses a music school and is home to various associations and offices. The fort is not accessible to the public, but is open to a limited extent on certain occasions. As part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie , Fort Ossenmarkt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Theetuin (Tea Garden) is situated on one of the four bastions of the old fortified town of Weesp. The bastion is called “Bakkerschans” and was built in 1674. It is surrounded by a wall on which stately, old trees are growing. This historical location, an oasis hidden in greenery, is the location of the romantic tea garden. In 1986 it was the first tea garden in the Netherlands was established. It was designed by landscape architects and offers a beautiful model garden with special plants, pots and an attractive tea house (limited opening hours). Meanwhile, the garden has grown into a real paradise where the garden enthusiast will have a great time. The Theetuin is well-known due to its plant combinations, mixtures of perennials, shrubs and especially spring flowering bulbs. The garden is at its best in spring, when thousands of bulbs start to flower, ranging from snow drops to late flowering tulips.

Fort Uitermeer - located on the banks of the river Vecht - is dating back to 1873. The restored tower fort, as well as the historic sluice and part of the old canal were partly brought back to their former glory. Fort Uitermeer’s function was to defend the 's-Gravelandsche Vaart, the road running alongside this canal and the railway line Amsterdam-Hilversum. At the location of the fort the 's-Gravelandse Vaart flows into the river Vecht via a sluice. As early as the 16th century, this sluice was defended by a “sconce (small protective fortification made of earth). In 1672 (known as the ‘disaster year’ in Dutch history) the “sconce” was reinforced and a year later it was replaced by a permanent fort, which was constructed around the sluice. In 1815 the fort became part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie (New Dutch Waterline). During World War II Fort Uitermeer was bombed heaviley, causing severe damage. During the Cold War, ammunition depots were put up on the grounds of the fort. In 1959 the fortress lost its function as a defensive structure. The remains of the Fort Uitermeer (not accessible to the public) are an important part of Dutch history. The ruin of the tower is rare because only 10 bombproof towers remain in the Netherlands. As part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie , Fort Uitermeer is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.