Zwolle at blue hour, view of the Peperbus by Bas van der Gronde

Above Zwolle’s city centre, the sky takes on shades of soft pink and purple – that moment just after sunset when the city is bathed in its most beautiful light. This aerial photograph was taken above the Thorbeckegracht, looking towards the Peperbus, the famous church tower that has defined Zwolle’s skyline for centuries. From the air, you can see how the canal winds its way through the old town like a ribbon, with a drawbridge connecting the two quays. Along the water, houseboats lie quietly awaiting the evening, whilst car's are already parked in anticipation of the evening ahead. The red tiled roofs of the canal-side houses provide a warm contrast to the cooler blues and purples of the sky above. On the left of the picture stands a round stone tower with a pointed roof, one of the last remnants of the old city defences that once surrounded Zwolle. Further on, towards the horizon, you can see where the compact city centre gives way to more modern buildings – a lovely illustration of how the city has grown over the centuries. This photograph shows why Zwolle has one of the most beautiful city centres in the Netherlands: the combination of historic architecture, water and a lively atmosphere, all captured at the moment when day turns to evening. For anyone with a connection to Zwolle or who simply enjoys atmospheric aerial city photography, this is a photograph that shows the city at its best. Hanging on the wall, it brings back that peaceful, warm evening atmosphere every day, a lasting reminder of one of the city’s most atmospheric spots.