The largest city of Overijssel province, Zwolle is located on the bank of the River Ijssel. The province is widely known as a large farming region, so here you will find spacious fields, lakes and forests. However, Zwolle is a modern city with numerous beautiful buildings, monuments and hotels. Tourists, who visit Zwolle for the first time, are usually amazed by the contrast between the hangar suburbs of the city and its modern prosperous look.
The city’s embankment is located in the center of Zwolle. It is named to honor a famous Dutch politician – prime-minister Thorbeke. He played an important role in the development of yet young and small town. Unfortunately, only few historical monuments managed to survive in Zwolle. The others were destroyed. The tower of Virgin Mary Basilica remains the most famous sight of the city. The building of this church took place in the middle of the 15th century. The top of the tower is decorated with a small green cupola that has given the nickname to the tower – among local people it is known as “pepper pot”.
One more place of interest is the Saxon Gates located not far away from the ruins of city’s walls. This architectural complex was built in 1406 and the gates performed the role of the main entrance to the territory of the city. Among the religious sights the most notable one is St Michael Church that stores an ancient organ. The instrument is frequently used in large concerts and performances.
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