Façade of the Bergpoort

The Groningen Herenpoort(other side) is paired with the outer side of the Deventer city gate, called Bergpoort. The eagle in the frieze was meant to underscore Deventer’s status as a so-called ‘free city-state’. A city-state fell under the direct authority of the Holy Roman Empire. Although this distinction was no longer relevant in the 17th century, it was still a source of ongoing pride.