Bird’s-Eye View of Amsterdam, 1538

Cornelis Anthonisz (c. 1507- after 1553)
 
This is the oldest surviving plan of Amsterdam. It was commissioned by the governors of the city and hung in the Town Hall for many years. The north is at the bottom of the painting.
 
Amsterdam is shown as a walled city, situated in a waterlogged area at the mouth of the river Amstel. Churches, convents and city gates are the most striking buildings in the city which, in 1538, had a population of about 12.000. Cargo vessels dropped anchor outside the palisade in the IJ. The goods were the loaded onto lighters, which transported them along the Damrak to the centre of the city. On the Dam the goods were weighted and traded. Many boats were needed for Amsterdam’s carrying trade. On the left, outside the canal encircling the city, we can see shipyards, roperies, and saw-mills.
 
If you want to learn more about the original painting and the history of Amsterdam, you can visit the Amsterdam Museum, near the Kalverstraat.

1   Dam
2   Damrak
3   Oude Kerk (Old Church)
4   Schreierstoren
5   Het Waaggebouw (former city gate)
6   Montelbaanstoren
7   Munttoren
8   Begijnhof
9   Amsterdam Museum (Amsterdam Museum)
10 Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)