This panoramic photograph of Amsterdam was taken by James Blakeway. It features a panoramic view of a typical street scene in Amsterdam with its many bridges, canals and bicycles. It shows the intersection of the Keizersgracht and Leidsegracht canals. Because property taxes were determined on the width of a home, most of these 17th century houses were built very tall and narrow. Inner staircases were often steep and narrow to maximise living space. Most houses have a large hook high on the outside of the house to more efficiently move household furnishings in and out of the house.