From Weigh House to Restaurant
De Waag is a castle-like building dating from 15th century and one of the few remnants of Amsterdam’s defence wall. When the city expanded the structure became included within the city. In 1617, the ground floor was converted into a waag, a weighing station. The open gate got a roof and a floor was added to the building. The surgeons, bricklayers, painters and smiths guilds were located on this floor. In 1690 a domed room was added to the second floor. Surgeons held anatomy lectures here. The building used to be much higher than it is now. When Nieuwmarkt, the square where the Waag is located was laid out in the 17th century, the ground was raised and part of the wall of the Waag was buried below street level. Today, the Waag is a haunt for gourmets and offers excellent outdoor seating in summer.
WHAT: Café-restaurant In de Waag
WHERE: Nieuwmarkt 4
LUNCH 10.00 – 16:00: from €4 – €14
HIGH TEA 14:00 – 16:30: €19.50
DINNER: from €7 – €26
Related article: Eat in the Waag and Get a Free Lesson in History
photo credit: WOR @Flickr
