Alkmaar excise tower - Alkmaar
The excise tower, built in 1622, was an important tax office in Alkmaar for centuries. Excise duty was levied here on imported goods such as peat, wine and grain, and therefore also on beer. Beer traders – the so-called bierstekers – imported beer from other cities and had to pay tax here before it was allowed into the city. This was done to protect local brewers from unfair competition.
In 1924, the Bierkade was widened, which resulted in the Excise Tower getting in the way. Instead of demolishing the historic building, it was spectacularly moved over four metres using an innovative American technique. The relocation took just 33.5 minutes and is an impressive feat of engineering to this day.
Today, the Excise Tower is the office of the municipal harbour master. From here, shipping in the canals and harbours of Alkmaar is coordinated.
Alkmaar excise tower
Bierkade 26
1811 NJ
Alkmaar
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