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A Photo Tour of Amsterdam 005 – "De Waag" – AD1488 –
The "Waag" began its trip through history in 1488 when
it was built as the "Sint Antoniespoort" (The "Saint Anthony's gate") through the protective stone and brick
wall enclosing the city. By the start of the 17th century, after having seriously constricted the physical
and economic growth and development of the city and lost most of its importance as an element of defense in any event,
the wall was demolished. Along with it, most all of the gates and defense towers were torn down as well.
Today the "Schreierstoren", the "Waag", the "Montelbaanstoren", and the "Regulierstoren"
(the bottom part of what is now the "Munttoren") are the only surviving structures. Of the four, the
"Schreierstoren" is the only one left in its original condition, more or less. The building was
rebuilt in 1618 as an official "Weigh-house" and appropriately renamed "De Waag".
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