OLDEHOVE

It's the city's leaning tower, never completed, a true symbol of Leeuwarden and the pride of its people. When Leeuwarden became the capital of Friesland in 1504, the need arose for a large tower - a symbol of power. Construction began in 1529: it was originally intended to be taller than Groningen's Martinitoren, and took its place on what was once the city's most important cemetery.

Aware of the risk of falling due to the clay soils of Friesland, architect Jacob van Aken strengthened the construction using hard lime and clay in succession. In vain, however, as the tower began to sag from a height of ten meters, transforming it into a leaning tower like that of Pisa. Construction then resumed at right angles, in an attempt to correct the inclination. As a result, the Oldehove is not only leaning, but also twisted! Construction stopped in 1533, and legend has it that the architect died of grief..

It has a total of 183 steps (unfortunately, the electric elevator has disappeared, making it impossible for some visitors to climb). Until 1599, it had two separate entrances, to the east and west. At the top, the view over Leeuwarden and the surrounding area is impressive, to say the least. The locals are extremely proud of this unique tower, and a Frisian expression declares: " A'k de Oldehove niet siën ken, dan foël ik my onwennich " (when I don't see the tower, I feel bad).