What lies hidden beneath the Westersingel? More than many people from Bergen realise. Beneath the current street level, remnants of the historic outer gate and bridge of the medieval Gevangenpoort can still be found. A unique opportunity now presents itself to make this lost piece of the fortified city visible once more.

On Thursday 21st May 2026, the Vereniging Binnenstad Bergen op Zoom is therefore organising a special lecture evening at Het Zwijnshoofd. During this evening, you will discover the impressive story of the Gevangenpoort, once an important entrance to the fortified town and for centuries part of the defences of Bergen op Zoom.

The reason is current and special. The municipality is working on the city repair project Westersingel, which involves not only the street but also the underground infrastructure. This may present a unique opportunity to make the hidden bridge and foregate visible again to residents and visitors. Now, history can literally resurface.

Two passionate speakers will take visitors on a journey into the past of the fortified city.

Military historian Dennis van Nieuwenhuijzen, chairman of the Western North Brabant Fortifications Foundation, talks about city gates and fortifications throughout the centuries, with a special focus on the Bergen op Zoom Prison Gate.

Following this, researcher and city guide Rick Amiabel will take the audience on a journey into the personal stories behind the monument. For many years, he has researched the history of the Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate) and the warder families who lived here for centuries. His lecture will vividly bring the past of this place back to life.

For lovers of history, heritage, fortifications, and Bergen op Zoom, this is an evening not to be missed. An opportunity to contribute ideas on how a hidden piece of the city's history can be made visible again for future generations and visitors to our experience city.

Programme

20:00-20:45 Lecture by Dennis van Nieuwenhuijzen
20:45–21:15 Break
21:15 - 22:00 Lecture by Rick Amiabel

Location Zwijnshoofd, Moeregrebstraat 18 in Bergen op Zoom
Date 21 May 8:00 PM, doors open 7:30 PM
Access Free.

For more information: see www.verenigingbinnenstad.nl or contact voorzitter@verenigingbinnenstad.nl / 06-22548910