Drogenapstoren, Medieval water tower in Zutphen, Netherlands.
The Drogenapstoren is a water storage tower standing in central Zutphen with a solid stone structure that rises prominently above the surrounding streets. Internally, it contains a large reservoir that once supplied water to the city's residents.
The tower was originally built between 1444 and 1446 as a city gate called Saltpoort and served the town's defense needs. In 1888, it was transformed into a water storage structure and continued serving this purpose until 1927.
The tower's name comes from Tonis Drogenap, a town musician who lived there in the 16th century. His name has remained tied to this structure ever since, making it a personal landmark in the city.
The tower is located in Zutphen's old town center and can be reached easily on foot while wandering through medieval streets. It is best viewed from the outside while exploring the surrounding buildings to appreciate the historical layout of the city center.
During World War II, the tower was damaged by an explosion nearby that involved weapons materials hidden in the city. This episode shows how the structure remained woven into the town's wartime experiences.
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