This 1538 painting is, as far as we know, the oldest map of Amsterdam. Actually, it is a cross between a map and a city view. By choosing a vantage point high in the sky, Cornelis Anthonisz managed to combine the detailed rendering of the buildings with the possibility of showing the course of the city wall, roads, river and ditches. Halfway along the Amstel River, which divides the city in two, Dam Square is easily recognizable.

On the right side of the square is the Old City Hall, with the turret in the middle. Next to it is the New Church. The Old Church is the large building with the tower between Dam Square and the mouth of the Amstel River.