The Goudse Waag (Gouda Cheese Weighing House), one of the three most important historic buildings in Gouda, played an important role in the cheese trade for centuries. Commodities were weighed here to determine the tax due on them. Since 1920, only the world-famous Gouda cheese has continued to be weighed here. This magnificent, monumental building currently houses the Cheese and Crafts Museum, where you can learn everything about the history of Gouda cheese and how it is made. The museum is also packed with information on Gouda crafts. Cheese-making demonstrations are held here on a regular basis and you can also watch how Gouda pipes are made. In the shop on the ground floor, you’ll find everything to do with cheese: from special cheeses to the best cheese slicers and great souvenirs.