The Hoofdwacht is a beautiful, ornately gabled building attached to the Grote Kerk in Zwolle. The building was constructed in 1614, and was once used as the town guardhouse. Public executions were performed just outside of the Hoofdwacht, and the front of the building is inscribed with the text ’Vigilate et Orate’, (which means ’Watch and Pray’) as a warning to those watching the horrific punishments doled out in ancient times.
