The Waag

The pencil roof building in the center is called the Waag - which translates to 'the Scale' - as its a place they used to weigh the shiploads that travelled over the river Spaarne.

It was built in Renaissance style between 1594 and 1599 using very scarce and expensive blue stone imported from Namur in Belgium.

The front facade is exactly the same as the facade around the corner, making the building rather unique.

Nice little fact: It has also been used as a stage for artists like Pete Seegar, Joan Beaz and Simon and Grafunkel.

Best viewed in LARGE