Jaap van 't Veen's photos with the keyword: old city

Sneek was founded in the 10th century and became Sneek became several city rights in the 13th century, which became official in 1456. Sneek was (and still is) one of the eleven Frisian cities. This was also the beginning of a period of blooming trade for the city that would last until about 1550. In 1492 construction of a moat and wall around the city began. In those days Sneek was the only walled city in Friesland. The Waterpoort (Water gate) was probably built at the same time as the city wall. The gate served to close off access by water to the town. The water gate was built on the Hoogendsterpijp (a pijp is a narrow water passage). In 1613 the gate was converted into an ornamental gate because it no longer had a military function. From then on, the gate had its current appearance. The architect is unknown. In 1757 a thorough rebuilding followed and in 1785 the gate was given a guard. The gate consists of two octagonal towers, with in between a bridge across the waterway and above the bridge a gatekeeper's house. In 1877 it was restored according to a design by the nationally renowned architect Isaac Gosschalk, who undid the 18th-century changes and restored the early 17th-century state. He gave a free interpretation of the original middle section, which strongly determined the current appearance of the Waterpoort . Sneek had four other water gates and two land gates, all of which were demolished in the 19th century. The Waterpoort remained and is now the symbol of Sneek, known worldwide and the pride of the city.

Image: view of the city Deventer from the opposite side of the river IJssel. Deventer is one of the oldest Dutch cities, which was founded around the year of 768 by the English missionary Lebuinus, who built a wooden church on the east bank of the river IJssel. The church did not last long and was burned by marauding Saxons 4 years later. Deventer became city rights in 956, after which fortifications were built around the city. On one of these strongholds the href="https://www.test.ipernity.com/doc/294067/47395972">Bolwerksmolen was built. Due to its advantageous position along the IJssel the city was a flourishing trade centre between 1000 and 1500, because of its harbour. Around 1500 the city joined the Hanseatic League, which brought more wealth and prosperity. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the river flow slowed and became shallow. This had a great effect on the level of trade that Deventer could conduct. At the same time trade was increasing in other areas of the Netherlands and this as well as the Eighty Years War played a role in the decline of the wealth of the city. In the 1800’s Deventer was the site of many industries starting up, such as an iron foundry, heavy machinery production, bicycle and can production as well as textile industries. During World War II, the port and industrial area were heavily damaged, although the old city came through the war largely unscathed. Nowadays Deventer still offers a great collection of heritage with for instance the oldest brick house, the oldest park and the oldest academic library of the Netherlands.

A panorama view of the city Deventer on a wonderful autumn day. Deventer is an old Dutch city, which was founded around the year of 768 by the English missionary Lebuinus, who built a wooden church on the east bank of the river IJssel. It became city rights in 956, after which fortifications were built around the city. On one of these strongholds the Bolwerksmolen (see: www.ipernity.com/doc/294067/47395972) was built. The city was a flourishing trade centre between 1000 and 1500, because of its harbour and its participation in the Hanseatic League.

Deventer, seen from 'De Worp', with the tower of the Great or Lebuïnuschurch (Grote of Lebuïnuskerk) behind the houses along the 'Welle'. Deventer is an old Dutch city, which was founded around the year of 768 by the English missionary Lebuinus, who built a wooden church on the east bank of the river IJssel. It became city rights in 956, after which fortifications were built around the city. The city grew to be a flourishing trade centre between 1000 and 1500, because of its harbour on the river Ijssel. Deventer joined the Hanseatic League.

Bronkhorst originated around the year 1000 - and probably even earlier in the 7th century - as a fortified farming settlement. The adjacent castle was the ancestral home of the Lords of Bronckhorst, one of the most important noble families in Gelderland. Bronkhorst used to be a lordship. The earliest known lord of Bronkhorst was "Gijsbert van Bronkhorst", who was first mentioned in 1127. He and some of his descendants played an important role in the politics of the time. The origin of Bronkhorst Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle from the 10th century: a simple wooden fortress on an artificial hill. The later castle of Bronkhorst stood on the aforementioned hill next to the town and was first mentioned in the 14th century. It was sieged several times, most notably in 1582 - during the Eighty Years War - when after nine months Dutch troops captured the castle, which was occupied by the Spanish. The castle changed hands many times, until its last owner, a merchant, had it demolished in 1828. A country house was built on the remains, which in turn was demolished in 1904. Bronkhorst has always remained tiny. Like many towns in the county, the buildings mostly consisted of loose farms. Nevertheless, in 1482 it was granted town rights by "Gijsbert VII van Bronckhorst". In 1633, a devastating fire destroyed most of the medieval buildings. What remains is a small part of the town canal and the chapel from 1344. Because of its open character and original street plan, Bronkhorst still has a very authentic atmosphere. The small village of Bronkhorst has no less than 38 national monuments, including several city farms, the Bronkhorstermolen , the Bronkhorsterkapel and a Jewish cemetery. Along the cobble stoned streets one will find some art galleries and shops, two restaurants and a hotel. Although Bronkhorst is known as the smallest town in the Netherlands, it is not. With a population of around 160 inhabitants, it comes after Staverden , Eembrugge and Sint Anna ter Muiden . Picture: 'Onderstraat', one of the 'main' streets in Bronkhorst.

The 'Martinitoren' is with its height of 97 metres the most well known and remarkable landmark of the city of Groningen. Originally the church (Martinikerk) had an indoor tower, but after it collapsed a new tower was built (between 1470 and 1550) west of the main church. The inhabitants of Groningen call it ‘d'Olle Grieze’ (Old Grey One) after the colour of the bricks. The 'Martinikerk' got its name from Sint Martinus or Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) and still some murals of him as well as others can be seen in the choir of the church. These beautiful paintings are dating back to the year of 1545. The ceiling has a warm blue colour. The nave of the church is really impressive and has one of the biggest baroque organs in northern Europe. The construction of this organ started already in 1480 and was finished in the 19th century.

Hattem - a small, but old, city on the Veluwe - has had its own flour mill ever since the Middle Ages, which was very important. Whenever a city in former ages was besieged, the food supply was not supposed to be at risk. ‘De Fortuin’ (The Fortune) was (and is) located within the city walls of Hattem ‘De Fortuin’ is a so called smock mill. In 1808 the mill was blown down by a severe storm and most probably rebuilt in 1816. In 1852, according to a plaque above the entrance door, it became its brick base. In the 20th century the mill was out of use for many years. In 1970/71 it was completely restored and nowadays it is used again for grinding wheat and can be visited on Saturdays. More info (Dutch): www.molendefortuin.nl

The Sint Catharijnekerk (also called Grote Kerk) was intended to become the largest church in the Holland region, but was never completed. The construction began in 1417, but in 1456 there was a major fire and twenty five years later they ran out of money and the construction of the church stopped; only the nave and tower were completed. Originally it was a roman catholic church, but in the year of 1572 the parish became in Protestant hands. Despite its use by the protestants, the church is often called by its catholic name Sint Catherijnekerk (St. Catharine Church). The Sint Catharijnekerk has quite a relationship with the House of Orange-Nassau. In the year of 1575 Willem van Oranje (William of Orange) married with Charlotte de Bourbon. And in 1688 Mary Stuart waved her husband Stadtholder William III goodbye from the tower, when he left for England to be crowned. Brielle still can be recognized from far away by the 57 meter high, truncated tower of the Sint-Catharijnekerk. In the older days - when Brielle was a major seaport - the tower also was used as a lighthouse.

The spire, called Westertoren, of the Westerkerk (Western Church) on the bank of the Prinsengracht is the highest church tower in Amsterdam with its 85 meters. The church, designed by the famous Dutch architect Hendrick de Keyser, was built between 1620 and 1631 in the Dutch Renaissance style. Older churches in Amsterdam were originally built by Roman Catholics and were converted to Protestantism during the Reformation in 1578. The Westerkerk was one of the first purposely built Protestant churches. Today the Westerkerk is the largest church in the Netherlands that was built for Protestants. Rembrandt van Rijn is buried in the Westerkerk, as are several other famous Dutch artists. Anne Frank was soothed by the chimes of the church’s clock tower while in hiding and mentioned it several times in her famous diary. Former Queen Beatrix was also married there back in 1966.

The Domkerk (St. Martin's Cathedral) was the cathedral of the diocese of Utrecht during the Middle Ages. It once was the largest church and the only cathedral of the Netherlands. The construction of the present church started already in 1254. Since 1580 it is a protestant church. In 1674 a tornado destroyed the part of the church that was connected to the tower and was never rebuild. The Dom tower is with a height of more than 112 meters the highest medieval tower in the country. Picture: Dom Church and Dom Tower seen from the cloister (Pandhof) next to the church.

The present Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) was built between 1835 and 1848. Nowadays the building is used for (music) performances and expositions.

Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Our Lady Church) dating back to the 13th century, when it was founded as a catholic church. In the year of 1577 it was confiscated by the protestants and remained a reformed church till nowadays. Photo: interior of the church with the former choir.

Many streets in Santa Pau do have arcades.

Arcades along the Plaça Major, once known as the Firal dels Bous (oxen fairground), as it was used as marketplace and fairground.

City hall of Bolsward, built between 1614 and 1617 by Bolsward craftsmen.

Sneek: Water gate (Waterpoort) seen from Hoogend.