Putruwiel, Medieval tower house in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Putruwiel is a stone tower house positioned along the Oudegracht canal with a facade that spans two stories of the structure. The building displays typical canal architecture with cellar spaces and a wharf area below.
The building was constructed between 1175 and 1350, named after two owners: Jacob van Putte and Oedele van Ruwiel. It represents one of the first stone houses in Utrecht and marks the shift from wooden structures to permanent stone construction.
The building was a Hanseatic office during the 15th century, connecting Utrecht to trade routes across northern Europe. Visitors can still sense the merchant activity that shaped the medieval city.
The building sits directly on the waterfront and is easily visible when walking along the canal. Access to the interior is limited as it is privately owned, but the exterior can be viewed from the street.
The building belongs to a select group of stone houses built directly on the Oudegracht canal that displayed the wealth of a merchant elite. These early stone structures served as status symbols, their permanent construction marking the prosperity of their owners.
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