If
you start your city tour by climbing the leaning tower,
Oldehove, you can enjoy a beautiful overview of the entire
city. The Oldehove (a tower that’s missing its top) has been
the beacon of Leeuwarden for centuries.
Its height of about 40 meters was once considered extreme but is
dwarfed nowadays by the office giants of Avero and Achmea (in
the city center) at respectively 75 and 114 meters tall.
The Leaning Tower
At one time the architect had plans to build higher than the
Dom Tower in Utrecht. But something went amiss during the
construction of the Oldehove’s foundation that thwarted
these original plans.
To
eliminate any risk, the
Oldehove was given a
very wide base and
additional support of
eight unussally heavy
buttresses. It did not
help.
When only ten metres
high, the tower started
leaning in the
north-westerly direction.
In the opinion of experts the great
weight of the staircase with its 127 sandstone steps, build
against the north-west buttres, caused the sinking.
Then the construction was halted, leaving the Leeuwarder
citizens with a not very towering tower. Just 40 metres
high, with a conspicuous tilt. Now the tower not only
leans, but it's crooked as well.
The
oldest clock in the Oldehove used to hang in the
'Nieuwetoren' (demolished in 1884) in Leeuwarden. In
1914 this big clock was moved, but it didn't fit into
another church and that's why it was hung in the
Oldehove-tower.
The view from the platform on top is very good! When
standing there and seeing the busy city just underneath you,
you will be inspired by the beautiful sights!
The Oldehove Tower is open to
the public from May up to September:
183 stairs to be conquered.
Enjoy the view. Experience the steep climb, it's worth it! Tuesday
- Saturday 14- 17 uur, entryfee €2,= / children
€1,=
<< Enjoy the view of the
Oldehove Tower (Dutch Text)
