This proud gristmill towers above a quiet industrial area on the edge of the city. The octagonal structure is a good example of a Dutch style smock mill and from time to time it still serves its original purpose grinding grain into flour. It's worth a visit if you’re in the area, but unless you’ve made an appointment with the miller, De Bloem can only be admired from outside. The mill dates from 1768, when it was built on a bastion of Amsterdam’s 17th-century city wall. During the 19th century, the city expanded westwards and as the fortifications were gradually torn down, the mill was moved here in 1878.