Gevangentoren

Description

The "Gevangentoren" in #Vlissingen (Zeeland), is a remnant of the 16th-century "Westpoort". Built around 1491, the Westpoort consisted of two towers with a gate between them: the Gevangentoren on the sea side and an older powder tower on the land side. After the city's expansion in 1563, the Westpoort lost its function as a city gate and, in 1610, was repurposed as a city prison. During the French period, the tower was damaged in 1809 and subsequently lowered, earning the nickname 'Bomvrije' due to its bomb-proof roof construction. In the late 19th century, the tower was restored and served as a museum. Today, it is a national monument and operates as a café-restaurant.