The Zijlpoort is a city gate in Leiden, South Holland, the Netherlands. The gate was built in 1667 in classicist style to a design by Leiden master builder Willem van der Helm and features sculpture by Rombout Verhulst. Because the gate had to connect to both the city wall and the bridge in front of it, the building has the shape of a parallelogram. The Morspoort and the Zijlpoort are the only two remaining of the original eight gates. Along the Zijlpoort, from the nearby small river Zijl, the Old Rhine flows into the city of Leiden. The predecessor of the Zijlpoort stood at the end of the Haarlemmerstraat, where the Havenplein is now located. Over time, the Zijlpoort, and especially the hall above the passageway, has served various functions: in the early eighteenth century, the rederijkers met there, from 1736 it housed a school for poor children, and in the nineteenth century city goods were stored there. In the last quarter of the twentieth century, the Zijlpoort was renovated twice. During the last renovation, in the 1990s, supporting structures were installed on both sides of the gate. Since 1999, one of these constructions has housed a catering establishment.
Very enthusiastic nature photographer with a great passion for beach and nature. Also professionally involved in all kinds of photo assignments for real estate projects, websites, promotional material and events. Always looking for that one perfect composition and beautiful light that I often find by going out very.. Read more…