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De Waag
Although Amsterdam may be a city of medieval origin, the truth is that there are few buildings dating from this time, including the “de Waag” building, an old gateway to the city that has survived to this day thanks to the different groups and institutions that occupied the building through the centuries, making it the oldest non-religious building in Amsterdam.
Waag's Amsterdam Wall, also known as the Sint Antoniespoort in Dutch, or St. Anthony's Gate, is the only gate belonging to the old Amsterdam wall that has remained standing to this day. Only two other segments of the wall of Amsterdam have survived the passage of time, two towers: the Munttoren and the Schreierstoren.
In either case, they are medieval defensive constructions, as can be seen on a plaque in “de Waag” that reminds us of the date the construction was completed: April 28, 1488. However, their appearance Today it differs quite a bit from its original appearance, since its subsequent occupants adapted it to their needs, adding towers and roofs to their whim.
De Waag, Amsterdam
Just a century after its construction, most of the walls of Amsterdam were demolished as the increase in population led it to live outside the walls, so they had lost their defensive character.
In 1614 a large square was created in front of the old gate, the Nieuwmarkt square or the New Market square. Thus, the building housed a scale in which the merchants of Amsterdam could weigh the products with which they traded, which led to the old doors of San Antonio acquiring their current name, "de Waag", or "weight, scale or balance".
In turn, the upper floors were occupied by different guilds, such as the surgeons' guild, who built its central octagonal dome. This guild also gave it its most extravagant use, that of the Anatomical Theater, where human dissections were exposed in exchange for a ticket.
In the 19th century the wall of Amsterdam lost its original functions and during that century and the following one it had other uses, as a fire station, it housed the first headquarters of the Amsterdam Historical Museum or the Jewish Historical Museum.
De Waag nowdays
Following a restoration earlier this century, de Waag has become the headquarters of the Waag Society, a foundation that encourages experimentation with new technologies, art and culture. On the lower floor, however, there is a café-restaurant. The entrance fee to Waag is free.
If you want to discover more about the history of Amsterdam, book the free visit in English here with Buendia Tours.
Location of De Waag, Ámsterdam
Address: Nieuwmarkt 4, 1012 CR Amsterdam
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Waag Ámsterdam
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Nieuwmarkt 4
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How to get to De Waag
- Parada: Nieuwmarkt metro station
