Wijndragerstoren, Zwolle, Medieval tower in Zwolle, Netherlands
Wijndragerstoren is a semi-circular tower projecting from the ancient city wall and built with a pointed arch frieze and sandstone blocks featuring shooting holes. The structure stands today along the water near the eastern side of the Vispoort gate, functioning as a hospitality venue.
The tower was built between 1475 and 1500 as part of Zwolle's defense system. It underwent modifications during the Eighty Years' War to withstand cannon fire.
The name comes from the wine carriers' guild, whose members operated the city crane and made this tower their guild hall. The building served as a gathering place for these workers and the heart of their daily operations at the harbor.
The tower is located at Krabbestraat 63 along the waterfront and is easily accessible from the street. Since it now operates as a hospitality venue, check beforehand if visits outside business hours are possible.
The tower received a lower tiled roof instead of its original pointed design, reflecting changes in siege warfare techniques of the time. This adaptation shows how medieval fortifications had to adjust to new methods of attack.
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