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De Waag - Nieuwmarkt 4, Amsterdam, Netherlands

This unusual and attractive building has a sinister and gory past. In 1488, the building formed one of the city’s main gates to keep out the poor and diseased. In the 17th century it became a weighing house for incoming goods. However, later it was used for public executions, followed by the opportunity for the public to watch as they dissected the criminals executed outside. Nowadays, you will be pleased to hear, the building houses a restaurant.