The Groothoofd is located at the three rivers point; the busiest river crossing point in Europe. The Beneden-Merwede, the Oude Maas and the Noord come together here. The Groothoofdspoort, traditionally the most important city gate of Dordrecht, can still be seen from the water. The old, late Gothic city gate was built around 1440-1450 and was enclosed in 1617-1618 by a new Renaissance gate, which determines the current image. In 1692 the turret was replaced by the current dome. On the land side of the gate is the city arms of Dordrecht, on the water side an image of the Dordrecht city virgin. Bellevue was built around 1840 and is connected to the Groothoofdspoort. Its current appearance is determined by the changes made in the late nineteenth century under the direction of architect H.W. Veth and in the early twentieth century to a design by C.J.J. Tenenti Jr. The building is situated on a remnant of an old dike body and has an extra lower floor on the river side. The monument has a catering destination and is fully renovated and partially rebuilt. Bellevue Groothoofd has several terraces, restaurants, meeting and party rooms, luxury hotel rooms and a bridal suite.
- Year built: 1440 - 1450 (gate)
- Style of architecture: Late Gothic and Renaissance
- Original function: City gate
