To facilitate this trade, a new harbour called the "Kolk" was built to the southwest of the city and in 1613 the Waterpoort was erected to connect city and harbour. It formed part of the city walls, but when large parts of these were demolished in the early 18th century, it was decided to leave the Waterpoort intact.
To encourage trade, a new harbor called "Kolk" was built southwest of the city in 1613. The Waterpoort was constructed to link the city and harbor. It was part of the city walls but when large sections were demolished in the early 18th century, it was decided to keep the Waterpoort standing.