Accijnstoren, Tax collection tower in Alkmaar, Netherlands.
The Accijnstoren is a square brick tower with natural stone bands that rises at the edge of Bierkade along the North Holland Canal. A bell crowns the structure, and the building maintains its distinctive 17th-century silhouette in the historic harbor district.
Built in 1622, the tower served as a control point where officials collected taxes on goods arriving by ship. This role made it a crucial part of the city's commercial infrastructure for managing trade activities.
The tower sits near the historic waterfront and contributes to Alkmaar's identity as a maritime trading center through its location and design. Its weather vane shaped like an inland vessel reflects the town's deep connection with water transport and commerce.
The tower is located at Bierkade 23 and sits directly beside the water, making it easy to spot from the canal. The best views come from the opposite bank or from nearby bridges that cross the waterway.
In 1924, engineers moved the entire structure four meters to a new location while keeping the 17th-century clock running throughout the relocation. This feat demonstrates the skill required to preserve historic buildings without interrupting their function.
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