Doelenpoort
The Doelenpoort gate used to provide access to the Sint Joris and Sebastiaansdoelen. These were the training grounds for Leiden's two militia companies.
Joris and the dragon
The Doelenpoort gate used to provide access to the Sint Joris and Sebastiaansdoelen, which were the training grounds for Leiden's two militia groups. The sandstone gate was designed in 1645 by city architect Arent van 's-Gravesande. The sculpture group on the gate depicts St. George slaying the dragon. The militia consisted of armed citizens. They defended the city in times of war and played an important role in maintaining public order. In the 19th century, the Doelen grounds became army barracks. The building next to the gate, the Arsenaal, was part of these barracks. Today, the building houses departments of Leiden University.
J. Timmermans, De Doelen aan de Doelengracht (detail), 1788 (Leiden Regional Archives)