Walls of Amsterdam

The medieval city with its walls, gates and towers can be seen on this map by Cornelis Anthoniszoon dating to 1538
The 17th-century walls with 26 bastions can be seen on this city map by Frederik de Wit

The walls of Amsterdam (Dutch: Vestingwerken van Amsterdam) were built in the Middle Ages to protect the city against attack. The Medieval walls were replaced with a series of bastions in the 17th century. In the 19th century, the walls were torn down and replaced with the Defence Line of Amsterdam (Stelling van Amsterdam), a fortification line which encircled Amsterdam at a distance from the city.

Remains of the Medieval and 17th-century defenses include the former city gates Waag and Munttoren, as well as the defensive tower Schreierstoren and the watchtower Montelbaanstoren.