The Peperbus, the famous tower of the Sint-Gertrudis Church on the Grote Markt, is perhaps the most recognisable landmark in Bergen op Zoom. Those who climb the 183 steps to the top are rewarded with a magnificent view over the city and the surrounding landscape. From the gallery, you can see not only the historic city centre, but also how Bergen op Zoom lies on the edge of Brabant, with the Zoommeer and the Oosterschelde close by.

The tower and the church have a turbulent history. In 1747, Bergen op Zoom was heavily shelled by French troops before they captured the town. The church and tower were badly damaged in the process. In the following years, they were rebuilt and were given the appearance we know today. Are you curious what it looked like before that time? The Markiezenhof has a model showing how the church and the Peperbus looked before 1747.

Halfway up the climb, you’ll enter the Tower Room. This room is all about Willebrord Snellius, a famous scientist from the early 17th century. He used the Peperbus as a measurement point for his groundbreaking research into the size of the earth. Using triangulation between different locations in the Netherlands, he was the first to scientifically calculate the circumference of the earth. He did this with a large measuring instrument, a so-called quadrant, a quarter circle with a radius of more than two meters.

For the television programme Jekel's Yacht This quadrant has been recreated and can now be seen in the Tower Room. So, as you climb, you'll discover not only the view but also a piece of world history.

For opening hours of the Peperbus, see City guides