One of the last remaining pieces of late Medieval Amsterdam, Montelbaanstoren stands as a proud monument to the city's early wealth and power.Thanks to its location at the IJssel lake, the Amsterdam of long ago was a wealthy shipbuilding and trading port, requiring protection from enemies that might otherwise try to plunder the city. In order to protect it, walls were built around the city during medieval times.Montelbaanstoren, built in 1512, is a piece of the protective wall that still stands today; one of just a few small sections that remain throughout the city. The tower housed Amsterdam's military guards, stationed there in order to spy any approaching armies who may be trying to overtake the city, making their way towards the port.Historians say the tower was also a gathering place for sailors who would meet at the base of Montelbaanstoren before heading off to far-away lands on long sea voyages.