Oudezijds Achterburgwal / Kloveniersburgwal, 1012 Amsterdam - Binnenstad - Oude Zijde, ,
On the corner of Oudezijds Achterburgwal stands a distinctive gateway with spectacles over the pedestal. This indicated its role as an almshouse for the elderly, built here in 1601 from the proceeds of a public lottery. It’s now the seat of the University of Amsterdam and closed to the public, although you can wander the courtyard. Note the bust of the learned Roman goddess Minerva over the courtyard entrance. A secondhand book market has operated in the passage since the mid-1700s.