Stratemakerstoren, Military tower museum on Waalkade, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
The Stratemakerstoren is a defensive tower with a semicircular shape that rises along the Waalkade beside the Waal River. Its structure displays Renaissance fortification features and now houses exhibitions about the natural and cultural history of the region.
The tower was built in 1526 as a defensive bastion to protect the Veerpoort and was part of a series of fortifications securing Nijmegen during the early modern period. After being covered by residential buildings, it was rediscovered in 1987 and later restored as a cultural institution.
The name comes from the stratemakers, craftspeople who reinforced streets during medieval times, reflecting Nijmegen's artisan heritage. Visitors can see today how this historical place connects to the city's broader cultural landscape.
Access is from the Waalkade, a broad riverside area that is easily walkable from the city center. Visitors should note that stairs lead to the upper section and some interior spaces have low ceilings.
Inside the tower are original cannon platforms and underground passages that survived despite centuries of flooding from the adjacent river. These hidden structures give visitors a direct sense of the engineering work from the 16th century.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
