De Waag (Weigh House), Leiden

The Weigh House (De Waag), located in Leiden, is a National Monument and a prominent example of Dutch Classicism. Designed by the renowned architect Pieter Post, construction began in 1657, replacing a medieval wooden weigh house that had served the city since 1455. The new building was completed and opened in 1659, solidifying its role as a hub for trade and commerce.

Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Oude Rijn, Nieuwe Rijn, and Mare rivers, De Waag served as a weigh house where merchants weighed and traded goods. The building also features a striking relief above the gate, sculpted by Rombout Verhulst, which depicts the weighing company—a tribute to its primary function. Adjacent to De Waag was the Waaghoofd quay, once bustling with activity as ships unloaded goods using wooden cranes, now a terrace area connected to the modern Catharina Bridge.

In addition to its commercial role, De Waag occasionally served more unique purposes. Notably, an attic room was transformed by Govert Bidloo into an autopsy room for anatomical studies. This dual purpose adds an intriguing layer to the building’s history.

De Waag continued its function as a weigh house until 1972, when the last unit of cheese was sold, marking the end of its centuries-long mission. Today, the building stands as a cultural monument, housing a gallery, a bar, and a restaurant. It remains a venue for important ceremonies and a testament to Leiden’s rich history of trade and civic life.