Under
the impulse of vzw Natuurreservaten (now called vzw Natuurpunt; an organisation
for the protection of nature), in 2000, a part of the old defence walls around
Damme has been restored. During the excavations, the foundations of an old
construction was discovered. According to the position of these ruins,
some experts assume that this may very well concern one of the old city gates
Damme used to have: de infamous Great Gate to Bruges. This was probably
the largest gate the town had. During the construction of the present
defence walls in the 17th century, this gate was pulled down. But,
not everyone shares the same opinion. According to other experts though,
this is not a city gate, but only the remains of a sluice that is of a much more
recent date. Sluice of city gate? I hope time will tell who is
right.
The ruins are situated
between the Polderstraat and the walls. You can see the ruins when you
take the walking path that goes around the walls and cross the bridge in the
direction of the Polderstraat.
Under
the impulse of vzw Natuurreservaten (now called vzw Natuurpunt; an organisation
for the protection of nature), in 2000, a part of the old defence walls around
Damme has been restored. During the excavations, the foundations of an old
construction was discovered. According to the position of these ruins,
some experts assume that this may very well concern one of the old city gates
Damme used to have: de infamous Great Gate to Bruges. This was probably
the largest gate the town had. During the construction of the present
defence walls in the 17th century, this gate was pulled down. 
But,
not everyone shares the same opinion. According to other experts though,
this is not a city gate, but only the remains of a sluice that is of a much more
recent date. Sluice of city gate? I hope time will tell who is
right.