The ancient city of Delft was granted city status in 1246. Among other benefits, the status of the city of Delft given the right to build the ramparts. Several centuries it defended the city in the XIX century were demolished last fragments of the city's fortifications. The only thing that now reminds us of the existence of the wall - this is the Eastern Gate, which once were called the gate of St. Catherine.

Total gate in the city wall was nine. The eastern gate was built around 1400 and is a fine example of the so-called "brick gothic", typical for Northern Europe. Two interconnected towers reliably protect the entrance to the city, located in thick walls of the loopholes that allow attackers to fire. In 1546 the tower was overbuilt and decorated with sharp spikes. Since then, the silhouette of the twin towers is the original card of Delft. Many artists who lived in Delft, depicted them in his paintings.

When in Delft stormed the Great Fire in 1536, the gate was far away from the epicenter and suffered spared them and the explosion of gunpowder warehouse in 1654. Section of the wall connects the East Gate to the Water Gate, through which you can also get into the city, and which can also be closed.

Now the towers are arranged residential studio apartments, at first there were two, and then connect them into one of the rooms given over to an exhibition hall.

The two towers of the Eastern Gate as it echoes with the two towers of the church of St. Mary, located nearby.