Morspoort, Leiden
The Morspoort, a striking example of Mannerist architecture, is the western city gate of Leiden. Built in 1669 by master builder Willem van der Helm, this historic stone gate is located along the Morssingel Canal. With its octagonal dome and storied past, the Morspoort stands as a testament to Leiden's rich history.
The gate's name, "Mors," derives from De Morsch, a marshy meadow area outside Leiden, which also lent its name to the surrounding D鈥橭ude Morsch neighborhood, the Morsstraat, and the Morsdistrict. The current stone structure replaced a wooden gate erected around 1611 during Leiden鈥檚 northern expansion. Together with the Zijlpoort, the Morspoort is one of only two surviving gates out of Leiden鈥檚 original eight city gates.
The Morspoort was more than just an entrance to the city鈥攊t also served as a prison for many years, further embedding its place in Leiden鈥檚 layered history. Both the gate and its accompanying bridge have been designated national monuments, ensuring their preservation.
In 1817, the Morschpoort Barracks were built on the Galgewater, serving as a hub for infantry and mounted units. Connected to the Wittepoort Barracks by the Rembrandt Bridge and a ferry, they played a key role in Leiden's military history until 1940, housing the 4th Infantry Regiment鈥檚 depot and training army cooks.
Leiden鈥檚 long-standing tradition as a garrison town came to an end in 1981, when the last military training operations at the Morschpoort Barracks were relocated to Haarlem. Despite its military presence fading, the Morspoort remains a tangible link to Leiden鈥檚 martial and civic past.
The Morspoort continues to charm visitors with its historical significance and architectural elegance. A key landmark in Leiden, it bridges the past and present, inviting exploration of the city's enduring heritage. Whether walking through its grand archway or admiring it from the canal, the Morspoort serves as a gateway not only to Leiden but to centuries of Dutch history.
The gate's name, "Mors," derives from De Morsch, a marshy meadow area outside Leiden, which also lent its name to the surrounding D鈥橭ude Morsch neighborhood, the Morsstraat, and the Morsdistrict. The current stone structure replaced a wooden gate erected around 1611 during Leiden鈥檚 northern expansion. Together with the Zijlpoort, the Morspoort is one of only two surviving gates out of Leiden鈥檚 original eight city gates.
The Morspoort was more than just an entrance to the city鈥攊t also served as a prison for many years, further embedding its place in Leiden鈥檚 layered history. Both the gate and its accompanying bridge have been designated national monuments, ensuring their preservation.
In 1817, the Morschpoort Barracks were built on the Galgewater, serving as a hub for infantry and mounted units. Connected to the Wittepoort Barracks by the Rembrandt Bridge and a ferry, they played a key role in Leiden's military history until 1940, housing the 4th Infantry Regiment鈥檚 depot and training army cooks.
Leiden鈥檚 long-standing tradition as a garrison town came to an end in 1981, when the last military training operations at the Morschpoort Barracks were relocated to Haarlem. Despite its military presence fading, the Morspoort remains a tangible link to Leiden鈥檚 martial and civic past.
The Morspoort continues to charm visitors with its historical significance and architectural elegance. A key landmark in Leiden, it bridges the past and present, inviting exploration of the city's enduring heritage. Whether walking through its grand archway or admiring it from the canal, the Morspoort serves as a gateway not only to Leiden but to centuries of Dutch history.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Leiden. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Morspoort on Map
Sight Name: Morspoort
Sight Location: Leiden, Netherlands (See walking tours in Leiden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Leiden, Netherlands (See walking tours in Leiden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Leiden, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Leiden
Creating your own self-guided walk in Leiden is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
In the Footsteps of Young Rembrandt
Once a thriving hub for trade and textile manufacturing, and a home to Holland's oldest university, Leiden also made history as the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the greatest visual artists of the mankind, renowned for his ingenious use of light and shadow, and life-like portraits. The Golden Age of the Netherlands can still be felt in Leiden, especially if you follow in the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Leiden Introduction Walking Tour
In the year 860, at the confluence of the Old Rhine and the New Rhine, there was a settlement called "Leithon." This word referred to a canalized river. The name is appropriate. Leiden from its beginnings was a city of canals.
In 1060 Alewin I, landlord of Leiden, built his fortified keep, the "Burcht" ("Fort"). The village of Leiden huddled around the fortified... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
In 1060 Alewin I, landlord of Leiden, built his fortified keep, the "Burcht" ("Fort"). The village of Leiden huddled around the fortified... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles