Zwolle is one of the most picturesque Dutch cities. Traces of settlement can be found in Zwolle as far back as the Bronze Age and the modern city was established as far back as 800 A.D. The city is at the meeting point of several rivers including the IJssel, Zwarte and Vechte, and the old city center resembles a many sided star surrounded entirely by canals. Today, Zwolle features a myriad of historical buildings and attractions and offers something different to the likes of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Zwolle is famous for its historic city center inside the canal ring with beautiful historic landmarks, such as the Sassenpoort, one of Zwolle's 14th century city gates.