Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem

In 1631 the Haarlemmertrekvaart was dug, which shortened the waterway from Haarlem to Amsterdam considerably.

With the new canal and its towpath, the trip was so short, it became much more popular, since it was now possible to travel back and forth to Amsterdam on the same day.

However, there was not enough money at the moment to construct a new bridge, so the city council agreed to provide funds for a short-term renovation of the gate to make sure it would stay up for two or three more years.

In 1867 the Papentoren, a tower, was demolished, and the munition that had been stored there needed a storage space.

The city architect, J. Leijh, started the project, which later required an extra 775 guilders.

The Amsterdamse Poort facing the canal to Amsterdam, and before 1631 known as the Spaarnwouder Poort because it was built to face the road to Spaarnwoude.
Picture of the Amsterdamse Poort in the 17th century. On a Haarlem map from 1646 it was still listed as Sparwouwer Poort .
Sculpture in front of the gate on the Haarlem side (Spaarnwouderstraat) depicting Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer