Tower d' Olle Witte
The medieval free-standing church tower was built - presumably in the 15th century - on the spot where the important trade route from the city of Groningen to the German Münster crosses the Winschoter small river Rensel. For centuries, the tower played an important role in the defence of Groningen.
Have a look now
During the Disaster Year of 1672, the advancing troops of the Bishop of Münster also managed to capture de fort of Winschoten. Following its capture, Bernhard van Galen immediately ordered improvements to be made to the Winschoten fortifications. However, this did not prevent Karel Rabenhaupt from recapturing de fort Winschoten de fort in September 1672, after repelling the siege of the city of Groningen.
The mediaeval freestanding church tower was built - presumably in the 15th century - on the spot where the important trade route from the city of Groningen to the German town of Münster crossed the small river Rensel...
During the Disaster Year of 1672, the advancing troops of the Bishop of Münster also managed to capture de fort of Winschoten. Following its capture, Bernhard van Galen immediately ordered improvements to be made to the Winschoten fortifications. However, this did not prevent Karel Rabenhaupt from recapturing de fort Winschoten de fort in September 1672, after repelling the siege of the city of Groningen.
The medieval free-standing church tower was built - presumably in the 15th century - on the spot where the important trade route from the city of Groningen to the German Münster crosses the Winschoter small river Rensel. For centuries, the tower played an important role in the defence of Groningen. During the Eighty Years' War, Sergeant Moda withdrew with his men into the entrenched church and then the tower. This enabled them to hold out for a day and a half against the Spaniards. After the recapture of Winschoten, nine bastions were built and a moat was constructed, turning it into a real fortress. The wall no longer exists; the tower, which was raised in stages over the years, is still there.
The cannonballs bricked in on the ground floor are a reminder of the earlier battle. Perhaps they even belong to Bommen Berend? While climbing the tower, the Tower Keepers will take you through the centuries-old history of the tower and fortress. In Museum Slag bij Heiligerlee, the Tower Keepers have set up an exhibition on the protagonists of 1672, Bernhard van Galen and Karel Rabenhaupt.
Opening hours:
June to September: 1st and 2nd Saturday of the month, 14:00-17:00
Entrance:
T / m 12 years free
From 13 years € 1,00