Nederland - Harderwijk, Vischpoort

The Vischpoort (Fish Gate) is the only remaining gate of the five city gates of Harderwijk and is dating back to the 14th century. The gate is situated on the historical seaside of the former Zuiderzee, a shallow bay of the North Sea. The upper part - above the corbel - dates from the 15th century. In the year of 1851 was a little tower with a lighthouse placed on top of the slate roof. Till 1947 the Vischpoort served as a lighthouse. After the closure of the Zuiderzee it lost its significance. Nowadays the light is only switched on on on special occasions.

The Vischpoort was originally called the Lage Bruggepoort. On the seaside of the gate there was a wooden pier onto which small boats could load and unload cargo, especially fish to/from the Vischmarkt (Fish Market) on the city side of the gate. The gate also had a protective function, against enemies as well as against the water and was closed at high tide.

In 1973 the Vischpoort, wall houses and city wall were restored. The pump in front of the gate is a replica of an old city pump, which was in use until 1896. Nowadays the gate is listed as a Dutch national heritage site