In 1582, after Alkmaar had ousted the Spanish troops, the former Chapel of the Holy Spirit and its hospital were transformed into the Pesee (symbol of Municipal freedom). The Latin inscription on the facede still recalls those turbulent times: Courage and strength have given back to the Government and the Citizens their lost Weighing Right. Since 1983, the building has housed the Dutch Cheese Museum. The 17th century Excise Tower, where excises taxes used to be levied, has a decorative open-work clock tower.
The traditional Cheese market has been held in the Waagplein since the 17th century. Wearing traditional costume, the famous cheese-bearers hump the cheeses (160kg) towards the square, where they are tasted, compared and sold.
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