Weesp is one of the 14 fortified cities in the Netherlands. The sconces and other defence works from later eras show that the city was once part of the Dutch Water Defence Lines. The fortifications at Weesp include two tower forts: Fort aan de Ossenmarkt and Fort Uitermeer.
The arrival of breweries and then gin distilleries in the 14th century heralded a lengthy period of prosperity and growth. The magnificent Weesp City Hall, designed by Husly, and the Great or Saint Lawrence Church with its delightful Hemony carillon still bear witness to that prosperity.