The Sint Anthonis or Maarten Schenck Gate is one of the few city gates of Nijmegen that still stand. The gate provides access to the city from the Waalkade. In 1589, the military commander Maarten Schenck besieged the city in the name of the Republic. During the night of August 10 to 11, Schenck attempted to take the city through the Sint Anthonis Gate, but the citizens of Nijmegen were prepared and drove him and his troops back. In a panic, they fled to their boats on the river. However, Maarten Schenck’s boat capsized, and he drowned due to the weight of his heavy armor.
His body was fished out of the river and, as an act of revenge, was beheaded and quartered. His head was displayed at the Sint Anthonis Gate, while the other parts were hung at various gates as a terrifying warning. When Maurice of Nassau captured the city in 1591, he immediately ensured that Maarten Schenck was given an honorable burial in the Sint Stevenskerk.
