City information
Zwolle, located in the province of Overijssel, has a rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The city was officially founded in 1230 when it was granted city rights, but its origins lie even earlier, around the 9th century. Zwolle grew into an important trading city due to its favourable location on the river IJssel.In the 14th and 15th centuries, Zwolle flourished as a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance of cities in Northern Europe. This brought prosperity and led to the construction of impressive buildings, such as the Sassenpoort and the Grote Kerk .
During the Eighty Years' War, Zwolle eventually sided with the uprising against the Spanish, which led to greater prosperity in the Golden Age. The city was known for its religious and cultural developments, including the Modern Devotion, a spiritual movement founded by Geert Grote.In the 19th and 20th centuries, Zwolle continued to modernize, with improvements in infrastructure and industry, while preserving its historic character. Today, Zwolle is a dynamic city known for its well-preserved historic center, rich culture, and vibrant atmosphere.With this walk through Zwolle I will take you past the most important sights.