De Waag
Around 1600, Hoorn became one of the most important VOC cities. Many goods were transported via this city because of its favorable location between the trade routes across the Zuiderzee and those on land. Thus a weigh house was needed, a building where goods were weighed.
The city council commissioned the Amsterdam sculptor and stonemason Hendrick de Keyser in 1608 to build a weigh house. On the facade a unicorn adorns the coat of arms of Hoorn.
After 1640 Hoorn specialized further to agricultural trade center and the market turned into one of the most important cheese markets in North Holland. At the start and end of such a market, only the weighmaster was allowed to ring the clock from De Waag. The current market square 'De Roode Steen' was named after the public executions that once took place here, but was simply called 'Cheese Market' in the Golden Age.
Farmers still stow their golden-yellow goods in neat piles. The buyer will inspect the cheese thoroughly after which the farmer and buyer will eventually come to an agreement about the price. After that, the weight of the cheese is determined neatly at De Waag so that it can be traded fairly. During the summer months, this scene still plays out every week and the market clock sounds as usual again across the square.
Since 1953 there is a restaurant in De Waag. This restaurant D'Oude Waegh ensures that not only food is weighed, but also served. To this day, De Waag is a recognizable icon between the historic buildings on the Hoorn market square.