The little town of Zaltbommel, already fortified by the 13th century, lies on the left bank of the Waal, which at this point is tidal. The old part of the town recalls the time when Zaltbommel was a member of the Hanseatic League. Of the old fortifications only one gate, the Waterpoort, survives.
The Grote Kerk or St Maartenskerk was rebuilt in 1304. The oldest part of the building is the choir with its large windows. The nave, flanked by aisles, dates from the 15th century, as does the four-story tower, the town's principal landmark; the spire was destroyed by fire in 1538. The church has fine wall paintings, including a figure of St Christopher (1540).
Of interest in Zaltbommel are the Gasthuistoren, the tower of a 15th century almshouse chapel; the medieval Waterpoort; and the Huis van Maarten van Rossum at Nonnenstraat 5, birthplace of Maarten van Rossum, a general in the service of the Duke of Gelderland in the 16th century, which now houses the Historical Museum. In the Markt and the side streets opening off it are fine old 16th and 17th century houses.
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