The Oostpoort is the only one of the original eight city gates that remains of the city of Delft, in the Dutch province of South Holland. The original city gates had to be demolished in 1359 as punishment because Delft had lost a war against Duke Albrecht of Bavaria. After this, the East Gate, like the other city gates, was immediately rebuilt. In 1519 the East Gate was raised. When William of Orange came to live in Delft in 1572, the entire fortress was reinforced. Around 1840, the other Delft city gates were demolished, only the Oostpoort was allowed to remain standing, because it was not in the way in the remote corner of the city. A small piece of fortress wall on the north side and a statue of a guard above the gate remind us that the gate once stood to protect Delft.
The Oostpoort consists of a land gate and a water gate that are connected by the remains of a city wall, all completely restored in 1964. The water used to flow under the gate door, and ships could enter the city through this gate.
The adjacent Oostpoort Bridge dates from 1514 and, like the gate itself, is also a national monument.
The Oostpoort is an important historical and architectural feature of Delft and is a reminder of the city's historic history and defenses. It is a must-see attraction for tourists visiting Delft.
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