User:Ryan Barcalyss/Peperbus (Zwolle)

The Peperbus (Zwols: Pèperbusse) is a late Gothic tower in Zwolle belonging to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption. "Peperbus" is actually the nickname of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren, which the tower owes to its shape, which resembles a pepper can. With its height of 75 meters, the striking tower can be seen from afar.

The Peperbus can be climbed up to the first entrance, which is located at a height of 51 meters. This is equivalent to 236 steps. The second entrance is not accessible to the public and is located at a height of 65 meters.

History
The Peperbus was built between 1454 and 1463. However, it was completely blunt at the top. Because the tower of the Grote of Sint-Michaelskerk burned down in 1669, people wanted a new representative tower in Zwolle. In 1727 an onion-shaped hood was therefore placed on the tower.

In 1815 the upper part of the tower was destroyed by fire. The tower was restored and fitted with the current domed roof in neoclassical style.

Restoration
The Peperbus was thoroughly restored from 2002 to 2005, because many architectural defects arose in the tower over the years. On November 2, 2004, four new bells were placed in the carillon of the Peperbus, making it one of the largest carillons in the Netherlands with 51 bells.

Height
The Peperbus has a height of 75 meters. It was once known as the highest tower in Zwolle, but it was no longer after the IJsseltoren was built. The IJsseltoren, an office building, is part of the Voorsterpoort and is approximately 96 meters high.