A medieval water gate where the river Berkel passes under the old city wall and into the town. The Berkelpoort is one of the most photographed spots in Zutphen: a low arch of weathered brick over dark water, flanked by the remains of the wall, with willow branches trailing in the current. It is a genuinely beautiful piece of medieval engineering.
The gate was built to defend the point where the Berkel entered the town, allowing water traffic while blocking attackers. The portcullis mechanism is long gone, but the stonework is largely original. Arrive in the late afternoon when the light is warm and the reflections in the water are at their best.