The Blokhuispoort

Blokhuispoort

Anyone who has visited Leeuwarden has probably seen this impressive building: Blokhuispoort. In 1499, Stadtholder Willibrord of Schaumburg was commissioned to build a fortress to ensure the safety of the residents of Leeuwarden and the surrounding area. Over the centuries, the Blokhuis has undergone many changes. In the form it still has today, it served as a prison for 130 years. Nowadays, it is a vibrant centre for craftsmanship and culture. 

  • Blokhuispoort

    Blokhuispoort

    The Blokhuispoort is a cultural business-centre in the lively centre of Leeuwarden. Housed in a former prison, it is now full of creative initiativ...

    Heritage

  • dbieb

    dbieb

    dbieb provides public library services in the municipalities of Leeuwarden and Tytsjerksteradiel.

    Library

  • Drink & Eetlokaal Proefverlof

    Drink & Eetlokaal Proefverlof

    Thankfully, most people have never been in prison, let alone eaten there. Drink & Eetlokaal Proefverlof has changed that.

    Restaurant

  • Lies Keramiek

    Lies Keramiek

    At Lies Keramiek (ceramics) you’ll find the most beautiful pottery and porcelain tableware — from dinnerware to vases and from teapots to autonomou...

    Gift

  • Jouw Dagelijkse Kost

    Jouw Dagelijkse Kost
    Food/beverage

  • Leeuwarden City Events

    Leeuwarden City Events

    Organizing a group outing, family day or company event? For groups of 6 to 600 people, Leeuwarden City Events offers more than 100 packages such as...

    Events agency

  • Waanzinnigleuk

    Waanzinnigleuk

    Insanely Fun! is a special gift shop in the old prison De Blokhuispoort (Blokhuisplein 40). Shop here beautiful and special (Räder) items to give a...

    Gift

  • Voorarrest (pre-trial detention)

    Voorarrest (pre-trial detention)

    Voorarrest (pre-trial detention) is located in the Blokhuispoort and directly adjacent to Proefverlof. You can hire the venue for parties, barbecue...

    Party location or hall hire

  • Bajes Streetfood Club

    Bajes Streetfood Club

    THE LARGEST COVERED TERRACE IN LEEUWARDEN

    Restaurant

  • Alibi Hostel

    Alibi Hostel

    The Alibi Hostel is situated in the old prison of Leeuwarden, the Blokhuispoort. The hostel is located in a cell block and as a guest you come to s...

    Hostel

A bit of history - way back

  • Back in time

    Due to rising tensions in Friesland, it was decided that a fort should be built. As the southeast corner of the city was still relatively undeveloped, it was considered the most ideal place. The houses of noble families built in this corner in the late 1400s were demolished. A stretch of city moat was dug and construction of the Blokhuis was started in 1499. Initially, it consisted of several, separate buildings. Plans from 1550 and 1560 show that four large towers were built in the corners of the fort. During the Eighty Years’ War, the building was further expanded, including a powder house, bakery, slaughterhouse, scaffold and gallows. 

  • Expansion

    Over the centuries, the Blokhuis was further expanded. When six serious criminals escaped in the year 1700, the detention centre was renovated. Not only the exterior was addressed — many changes were also made inside. Fourteen cells were built, along with ten other rooms, halls, and living spaces. Among them were the Heerenzaal (gentlemen's hall), the droefkamer (mourning room), the gijzeling (hostage room), the studentenkamer (students' room), and the ontkleedkamer (undressing room). The Blokhuis — where the prison commander lived — was demolished in 1870 to make way for the prison building that still stands today. 

From prison, to... - Stop by!

In 2007, the prison closed its doors. Today, Blokhuispoort is a vibrant place where creative entrepreneurs, craftsmanship, good food and drinks, music, education, and literature come together. Small shops and studios in former isolation cells, a waterside restaurant, a library, a music venue, and even a hostel are now housed in this historic location. The original elements and outlines of the prison are still clearly visible. The heavy doors, iron bars, and large gates make for a truly eye-catching experience. 

  • Restaurant Proefverlof

    Take a seat on the sunny terrace — or in the beautiful restaurant of Proefverlof. Enjoy unique regional dishes and products, fine wines, and an atmosphere that truly stands out.

    Restaurant Proefverlof

  • dBieb

    Do you love gripping thrillers, swoon over young adult novels, or are you more into fantasy? At dBieb, you’ll find a huge selection of study books and reading material. There are also plenty of quiet spots to study or read, and you can take part in fun and educational workshops.

    dBieb

  • Lies Keramiek

    At the Lies Keramiek shop, you’ll find beautiful tableware and other functional ceramics in unique colours. Caught the pottery bug after taking a workshop? Then you can also sign up for a longer course.

    Lies Keramiek

  • CEL

    CEL stands for Collectief Edelsmeden Friesland (Frisian Collective of Silversmiths). At CEL, you’ll find personal, handmade gifts, as well as courses and workshops.

    CEL

  • Alibi Hostel

    Ever wondered what it’s like to spend the night in a prison? At Alibi Hostel, you can experience it for yourself! This atmospheric hostel is easy to reach, and the friendly staff are available 24/7 to help you.

    Alibi Hostel

  • H-vleugel

    In the isolation cells of the H-wing, you’ll find countless small shops — from glassblowers to illustrators, and from home decor to jewellery. Anyone who steps into the H-wing is unlikely to leave empty-handed!

    H-vleugel

Go wild at De Beatriks

Tucked away in the corner of the second courtyard: the entrance and staircase leading to the old theatre hall. Once, this space hosted activities and theatre performances for prisoners. In the Blokhuispoort’s new chapter, it was used by venue Podium Asteriks until 2018. Now, the concert hall is making a fresh start under a new name: De Beatriks. Get ready for nights full of dancing, sweating, and singing your heart out to the coolest bands — all in this unique, historic location. 

Visit De Beatriks

Take a guided tour

Ever wondered what life was like inside the prison walls? At Blokhuispoort, you can take a guided tour led by former prison guards! Fascinating, eerie, and funny anecdotes alternate as you’re shown around this impressive building. It’s an experience not to be missed when visiting Blokhuispoort.

Finished the tour? Then you can also visit the museum which is free-of-charge.

Book now

Events - and parties

Throughout the year, Blokhuispoort hosts numerous events. In December, for instance, you'll find a picturesque Christmas market with local makers and entrepreneurs. For two days you can enjoy live music, hot chocolate, waffles with whipped cream, artisanal and handmade gifts, twinkling lights and warm festive atmosphere. In September, moor your boat at the Zuidergracht concerts. A big stage will be built on the water, where great Dutch artists will perform. At SMOOK  barbecue festival , you can feast on delicious meat and veg dishes from the grill for two days. Between dishes, you can dance to the best live bands. WORLD CUP season? Catch all the action on the big screen. These and more events follow one another throughout the year. Which one(s) will you be going to?

  • Live music

  • Zuidergracht concerten

  • Christmas Market

  • SMOOK bbq festival

  • City Proms

Read our blogs - inspiration

This website uses cookies

This website uses cookies (Functional, Analytical, Marketing) that are required for the website to perform as good as possible. By clicking on "I accept all cookies", you agree with the use of these cookies.