Oudewater is part of the Old Dutch Waterline. Following the Disaster Year of 1672, new defence works were built in the city. These became obsolete when the waterline shifted to the east and the Linie van de Pleyt sconce was built between Oudewater and Montfoort. The municipality was allowed to dismantle the fortification after 1821. Oudewater has numerous monuments that date back to the 17th century. The city was the only place in Europe that offered the privilege of a fair ‘weighing’ for people accused of witchcraft. No one was ever condemned as a witch here. Step onto the scales at Museum De Heksenwaag to see if you are a witch!