Architecture.... Burcht (Citadel) The earliest history of this building is shrouded. Legends tell of giants, Romans and Norsemen who founded the Burcht. The real founders are unknown. During the Middle Ages the counts of Holland had jurisdiction over the strategically placed fortress. The gave it in feud to a viscount. The complicated power structures between city, count and viscount regularly led to quarrels. During the 14th century the Burcht was integrated into the growing city, which made it lose its military function for good. Nevertheless, to be viscount remained a lucrative position, because of certain privileges and the right to levy certain taxes on the citizens. This situation ended in 1651, as the city bought the Burcht. The site became a pleasure ground, with ornamental gardens on the elevation and a labyrinth within the ring wall. Two water cellars within the ring wall supplied the Visfontein (Fish fountain) at the Fishmarket with water. In the coach house at the foot of the elevation a horse mill was situated, which transported the water up the hill to the water cellars.
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