Mariatoren | Netherlands Photo Spot

Mariatoren is a late Gothic semicircular tower built in 1508 as part of the city defense wall. It was constructed on the grounds of the Maria Monastery, to which it owes its name. Once upon a time, gun powder was stored here. Thus, it was also known as the ‘Kruittoren’ or ‘Powder Tower’. The gun holes and firing slots for the muskets are still visible on the building’s façade. Later it functioned as an ice cellar and a home studio for a calligrapher, Joop Willems, till 7 January 2014. Now it can be booked as a B&B for a truly unique vacation stay and shooting subject. (Hoorn, Netherlands)