Waag, Weighing house at Roode Steen square in Hoorn, Netherlands
The Waag is a two-story stone structure with Gothic elements positioned in the center of Roode Steen square, featuring decorative detailing on its ornate facade. The building maintains its original form and continues to define the appearance of the plaza.
Architect Hendrick de Keyser designed this weighing house in 1609 for the growing trade at the market. It remained the center of commerce for centuries and became essential to Hoorn's economic growth.
The building shows how important Hoorn was during its peak trading years, when merchants weighed their goods here under official supervision. It served as a gathering place where traders from across the region conducted their business.
The building now functions as a café where visitors can sit inside and view the preserved interior details. The central location on the square makes it easy to find and a natural stop while exploring the town.
During peak trading years, vast quantities of cheese passed through these scales, making Hoorn one of the region's busiest trading hubs. The building handled the weight of hundreds of merchants daily, all seeking to conduct their business here.
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