1996, The ‘Stelling van Amsterdam’ (Defence Line of Amsterdam)
(Around Amsterdam, the Provinces of Noord-Holland and Utrecht)
A circular defence line stretching 135 km around the capital city of Amsterdam, constructed between 1883 and 1920. It is an outstanding example of a defence system based on the control of water and on forts. The Dutch have used their knowledge of hydraulics for defence purposes since the 16th century. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries Amsterdam was protected by a connected system of vast open spaces that could be inundated and a ring of more than 40 armed fortresses. The area could be flooded by means of an ingenious system of canals and sluices.

Motivation
The World Heritage Committee decided to inscribe the ‘Stelling van Amsterdam’ on the World Heritage List by virtue of cultural criteria (2), (4) and (4). It established that the site is of outstanding universal significance as a unique example of an extensive, integrated defence system of the modern age. The former functioning of the system is still recognisable and the components have been well preserved since their construction starting in the late 19th century. It is also remarkable because of the unique way in which the Dutch applied their ingenuity for hydraulic engineering works in the defence of the capital.