Zwolle, Hasselt

Hasselt gained markets and toll rights in the 14th century, allowing it to join the Hanseatic League in 1367. Zwolle became an important trading partner for the Hanseatic cities thanks to the Vecht. The city itself did not join the alliance until 1407. Traces from that time include the Sassenpoort, the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren affectionately called the Peperbus, and of course the star-shaped fortress built during the Hanseatic period. This can be seen in the painting ‘Gezicht op Zwolle’ (View of Zwolle) by an anonymous artist in the City Museum. Also from that period is the Hopmanshuis or ‘the house with the 99 windows’ on Rodetorenplein.

The Hanseatic League was dissolved in 1669, when only three German cities remained members of the once-great Hanseatic League with more than 200 members. Still, Hanseatic cities are often proud of their past. Hence, in 1980, a Hanseatic League was restarted in Zwolle, where Deventer, Zwolle, Kampen, Groningen, Oldenzaal, Harderwijk and Zutphen banded together to cooperate on tourism and cultural matters.