The Montelbaans Tower (Montelbaanstoren) was built in the early 1500s, and the elegant clock tower was added in the 17th century. The tower was once used for defense of the city of Amsterdam, but today it is the home of the City Water Office. This department is important because it is in charge of the nightly "flushing" of the Amsterdam canals. Since 1878, the City Water Office has maintained the water levels in the canals and opened and closed the gates to the canals, causing the water to change direction. This nightly process keeps the canals clean. Unfortunately, because of algae, the canals have a murky green color and certainly don't look clean!

Photo by:  Linda Garrison

More Pictures from Amsterdam

Article on a Shore Excursion to Amsterdam

Northern Europe and the Baltic Photo Album