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Dam Platz |
DAM PLATZ
This square was created in the 13th century when a dam was built around the river Amstel to prevent the Zuiderzee sea from swarming the city. In the square lies the enchanting Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace), literally a jewel of architecture. Although no longer home to the Dutch Royal family, this Palace is still used to hold official ceremonies. On the south side of Dam Platz stands the controversially National Memorial statue, that was built in memory of Dutch soldiers and members of the resistance who died during the
Second World World. |
Oude Kerk |
OUDE KERK – THE OLD CHURCH
The Oude Kerk (Old Church), originally called Church of St. Nicholas, is the oldest building in Amsterdam. It was probably consecrated in 1306 by Guy of Avennes, bishop of Utrecht. The church presents a charming Tower: it’s possible to climb to its top and enjoy a superb view over the city. The church’s interior, now Protestant, has features dating back before the Reformation. Famous citizens of the city are here buried: for example, the Rembrandt’s wife Saskia. The present Oude Kerk is a direct descendant of a long line of older churches. |
Central Station |
CENTRAAL STATION (CENTRAL STATION)
Amsterdam Central Station was opened in 1889, originally used for the transport of goods. It was designed by the architect P.J.H. Cuypers. The original construction has been rebuilt more than once, due to rapidly expanding traffic and rail transport. The Central Station terminal has recently been restored and can be admired in its original style. |
Amsterdams Historisch Museum |
AMSTERDAMS HISTORISCH MUSEUM
This interesting Museum is housed in a former city orphanage. This monumental building dates from the 17th-century, and has a beautiful courtyard. The Historical Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval settlement along the river into a modern city. The museum's galleries showcase the progress of each century, with particular emphasis given to Holland's Golden Age. The museum provides a showpiece of Dutch Master paintings, archaeological discoveries, gold, silver, glass and earthenware and other artefacts. |
Torensluis Bridge |
TORENSLUIS BRIDGE
This is one of the largest bridges in Amsterdam. The extra space once accommodated a tower (Janroodepoortstoren) which was demolished in 1829. Hence the name Torensluis (Dutch toren = tower) The old dungeons which form part of the land abutments are intact. The balustrade dates back to the 18th century. Its foundations were used for what must have been a particularly damp and gloomy prison. A bronze statue on the bridge is of Multatuli, a 19th-century author, and sidewalk terraces from nearby cafes encroach over the span. |
Sint Nicolaaskerk |
SINT NICOLAASKERK
The Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1887, has an imposing presence on one of the most lively parts of Amsterdam. The brown stone church is a monolithic presence, but it doesn't seem out of place. It was built to replace several of the secret Catholic churches in the city once religious tolerance became widespread. Inside, square pillars hold up an impossibly high ceiling that might seem to stretch to the heavens if it were better lit. The church is one of many devoted to Saint Nicholas in this waterlogged city, which is understandable since he is the patron saint of seamen. |
Amstelkring Museum |
AMSTELKRING MUSEUM
The Amstelkring Museum is located on the outskirts of the Red Light District - just two blocks north of the Old Church – and is one of Amsterdam’s oldest museums. Initially renovated in 1661 by merchant Jan Hartman, the house gives a good impression of how rich merchants lived during Holland’s Golden Age. The museum also includes a unusual, hidden treasure: a Roman Catholic church, built for Hartman’s son, who was studying to become a priest. During much of the 17th century Roman Catholic worship was banned in Amsterdam. However, some Catholics continued to worship in hidden churches, of which “Our Lord in The Attic” is the only surviving example. |
Begjinhof |
BEGJINHOF
The Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard dating from the early 14th century. Nothing survived of the earliest dwellings, but the Begijnhof, which is cut off from Amsterdam's traffic noice, still retains a sanctified atmosphere. The Begijnhof was originally built as a sactuary for the Begijntjes, a Catholic sisterhood who lived like nuns, although they took no monastic vows. The beautiful houses overlook its well-kept green garden, include the Amsterdam's oldest surviving house, dated 1420.
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