Early Morning in December. De Sluyswacht and Oudeschans, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
In the early sixteenth century Amsterdam was attacked by Guelders forces. The area to the left of this photo was then a shipyard (the Lastage) and it was in 1512 burnt down during the hostilities. In order to protect the city, a deep moat or canal was dug between 1515-1518, the Nieuwe Gracht, today the Oudeschans. The mud and sludge was heaped on the left side of the canal and fortified as a schans, a bulwark. A look-out tower - Montelbaanstoren - was built at its harbor end. Soon the defensive bulwarks were no longer thought necessary and they were pulled down to make way for fancy houses for the high and the mighty, for example those running the Dutch East Indies Trading Company (VOC). At the beginning of the seventeenth century a lock was constructed (in the photo's foreground) with in 1695 the lockkeeper's house. That leaning house is today a much-loved pub, De Sluyswacht.
This year's seasonal decorations are pretty; not as exuberant as in other years but pleasing in the early-morning light.
Early Morning in December. De Sluyswacht and Oudeschans, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
In the early sixteenth century Amsterdam was attacked by Guelders forces. The area to the left of this photo was then a shipyard (the Lastage) and it was in 1512 burnt down during the hostilities. In order to protect the city, a deep moat or canal was dug between 1515-1518, the Nieuwe Gracht, today the Oudeschans. The mud and sludge was heaped on the left side of the canal and fortified as a schans, a bulwark. A look-out tower - Montelbaanstoren - was built at its harbor end. Soon the defensive bulwarks were no longer thought necessary and they were pulled down to make way for fancy houses for the high and the mighty, for example those running the Dutch East Indies Trading Company (VOC). At the beginning of the seventeenth century a lock was constructed (in the photo's foreground) with in 1695 the lockkeeper's house. That leaning house is today a much-loved pub, De Sluyswacht.
This year's seasonal decorations are pretty; not as exuberant as in other years but pleasing in the early-morning light.