Haarlem - Amsterdamse Poort

From the Begijnhof the Groene Buurt leads to the Bakenesser Gracht, along which on the right is the Hofje van Bakenes (1395). At the end of the Bakenesser Gracht is the river Binnen Spaarne, which is crossed on a picturesque drawbridge. To the east can be seen the Amsterdamse Poort (ca. 1400), Haarlem's only surviving town gate. Flanking the main structure are two octagonal towers, and on the outer side, facing the gracht, are two round towers. At the foot of the outer side can be seen some remnants of the old town walls.