The fact that Sluis is a fortified town is especially apparent from the presence of the ramparts and the old city gates.
The city walls around Sluis have a cultural-historical value and are a beautiful piece of nature for walkers and cyclists.
As early as the 14th century, fortifications were built to protect the then important trading city. The Spaniards recaptured the city in 1587 but in 1604 the city was taken by the troops of Prince Maurits. Most of the city walls date from this time.
It is a beautiful walk over the city walls with its canals and gates.
city gates
The Steenen Beer, also called the Westpoort or Brugse Poort, is the most famous city gate. It was built between 1444 and 1456 by the master mason Hendrik Timmerman. The reinforced city gate served as the cornerstone of the ramparts that had to protect Sluis against the attacks of many army bands. The reinforcements had to endure a lot of heavy attacks from Bruges. In 1587, the fortification was destroyed by the Duke of Parma during the siege and capture of Sluis. Restorations took place in the 60s, 70s and 90s. De Steenen Beer once consisted of a crew room, an armory, a spiral staircase, storage space and a powder magazine.
The Waterpoort (1424), was built by city mason Joris Lietac. Since the creation of Sluis until 1572, the surplus water from the surroundings of Aardenburg entered the city through this gate. The water was connected to the Sluise inner harbor and the Zwin via a lock.
The South Gate opposite the mill is the old entrance gate of Sluis. The gate was built from 1399 to 1406 by the master mason Arend de Keijser. This is the old gateway from Sluis to Aardenburg. Through this gate one came over a long walkway and drawbridge in the ravelin "Vriesland". The gate was in use until 1795 and used to be much larger. To the right of the entrance of the gate is the old gatekeeper's house, which was inhabited until 1928.
The East Gate near the football field was built between 1424 and 1432 by Joris Lietac. The gate has been completely restored and is truly beautiful and impressive.