Oudewater, a small hamlet just outside of Gouda, is also known as the witches’ town. Many of the buildings are listed monuments, and the Witches’ Weighhouse, built in 1595 is one of the most popular, and a well-known touristic attraction. It was thought that witch had to be practically weightless – in order to use a broomstick. Women could be acquitted if it was shown that the weight of the accused corresponded with the "proportions of the body", and this weighhouse saved the lives of many young women.
