This is the oldest surviving plan of Amsterdam, by Cornelis Anthonisz. It was commissioned by the governors of the city and hung in the Town Hall for many years. In this painting, south points up and north points down. Amsterdam is shown as a walled city, situated in a waterlogged area at the mouth of the River Amstel. Churches, convents and city gates are the most striking buildings in the city which, in 1538, had a population of about 12,000. Cargo vessels dropped anchor outside the palisade in the IJ. The goods were then loaded onto lighters, which transported them along Damrak to the centre of the city. On Dam Square the goods were weighed and traded. Many boats were needed for Amsterdam's carrying trade. On the left, outside the canal circling the city, are shipyards, roperies and sawmills.