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Museum · Haia, Holanda Meridional
Gevangenpoort
Medieval gate that served as the prison of the Court of Holland for about 400 years. Today it is a museum, with guided tours of the cells, next to the Hofvijver and the Buitenhof.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Gevangenpoort
The Gevangenpoort, the Porta da Prisão, was the entrance to the former Binnenhof complex. From about 1420 to 1828 it served as the prison of the Court of Holland, where those accused of serious crimes were held while awaiting trial. Since 1882 it has been a museum.
In the 16th century Emperor Charles V ordered an additional block of cells built onto the gate. Prisoners could be up to fifteen per cell, and torture was part of the process, as was customary at the time. In the small square behind the gate was the site of executions.
One of the most remembered episodes is that of the brothers Johan and Cornelis de Witt, political leaders of the Republic. In 1672 Cornelis was imprisoned here when the two were killed by a mob in front of the gate. The museum tells this story with care.
The visit is guided, through the cells and rooms of the building. Next door is the Galerij Prins Willem V, which is part of the Mauritshuis combined ticket.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour, which is the approximate duration of the guided tour.
Best time
It is open every day, but the guided tour has fixed times: book in advance online or at the ticket office, and check whether there is a tour in English.
How to get there
It is located on the Buitenhof, on the bank of the Hofvijver, about a 10-minute walk from Den Haag Centraal and 3 minutes from the Mauritshuis.
Tip
Ask at the ticket office for the time of the English tour. The subject is not light: some rooms display instruments of torture, which may not be suitable for small children.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gevangenpoort
Can you visit the Gevangenpoort without a guide?
The visit is conducted with a guide through the cells and rooms. Book a time in advance and confirm whether there is an English tour.
What was the Gevangenpoort?
A medieval gate that served as the prison of the Court of Holland from around 1420 to 1828. Since 1882 it has been a museum.
Is it suitable for children?
At certain times there are special family tours, but the subject matter includes torture and executions. It may be distressing for young children.