Mouse towers in Leerdam

That Leerdam is traditionally a fortified town can still be seen from the beautiful Zuidwal with its mouse towers. The city wall, with its four gates, was probably built in the late 14th, early 15th century. Around that time, the undersides of the Muizentorentjes also came into being. The undersides of the turrets protected the wall from ice and water from the river Linge. And in times of war, cannons were placed on top of the Muizentorentjes to defend the city.

But where does the name 'Muizentorentjes' come from? Around 1837, an unloading wharf was installed and the remains of the old and dilapidated wall towers were used to build three houses. But no one dared to live in the wall towers. This was because the enemy could enter your house across the water. This left the towers deserted... This helped mice and rats to live in these towers. Hence the name: Mouse Towers.

Today, these turrets are still inhabited or in use. For instance, one of the turrets houses a cosy and snug coffee & tea house.