Information panel | Hoornsche-Poort | Hoornselaan
The Hoornsche Poort was the oldest of the city gates built around Purmerend after obtaining city rights in 1410.
The name gives it away a bit; the Hoornsche Poort guarded the north of the town on the road to and from Hoorn. Anyone who wanted to enter Purmerend from the footpath across the Overweersepolderdijk had to pay gate or market fees. This was a lucrative source of income for the town. Before the reclamation of the Beemster and the Purmer, travellers between Hoorn and Amsterdam by land could not bypass Purmerend.
During a period of peace after French rule, gates and defences were quickly seen as unnecessary. There was no more maintenance and many gates fell into disrepair. The Hoornsche Poort was demolished in 1838. Where this gate once stood, you can now walk along the River Where and see Purmerend's beautiful harbour. Also take a look at the information panel for more information.