Must Visit Attractions in Amsterdam"
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"Must Visit Attractions in Amsterdam" Created by: Cityseeker 14 Locations Bookmarked De Nieuwe Kerk "Spectacular Architecture" The Nieuwe Kerk is a 15th-century building, partly destroyed and refurbished after several fires. Located in the bustling Dam Square area of the city, this historic church has held a prominent place in the country's political and religious affairs over the centuries. It has been the venue for coronations of kings and queens, and also plays host to an array of by Dietmar Rabich exhibitions, concerts and cultural events. Admire its Gothic architecture, splendid steeples, glass-stained windows and ornate detailing. +31 20 638 6909 www.nieuwekerk.nl [email protected] Dam Square, Amsterdam Royal Palace of Amsterdam "The Royal Residence" Amsterdam's Royal Palace is the crown jewel of the city's cache of architectural marvels from the Dutch Golden Age. The palace was originally constructed in the 17th Century as the new Town Hall, designed by Jacob van Campen as a symbol of the Netherlands' far-reaching influence and its hefty stake in global commerce at that time. The palace by Diego Delso is an embodiment of opulence and lavish taste, generously adorned with marble sculptures, vivid frescoes and sparkling chandeliers that illuminate rooms of palatial proportions. Within, are numerous symbolic representations of the country's impressive economic and civic power in the realm of world politics in the 17th Century, including a larger-than-life statue of Atlas. In 1806, Louis Napoleon, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, was named King Louis I of Holland, transforming the former Town Hall into his Royal Palace. Today, the historic abode is one of the three palaces granted to the Dutch Royal House by an Act of Parliament. The Royal Palace hosts visiting heads of state and serves as a venue for Royal Receptions and other events. +31 20 620 4060 www.paleisamsterdam.nl/ [email protected] Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Amsterdam Dam Square "War Memorial" Perhaps one of the best known of Amsterdam's attractions, Dam Square forms not only the core of the present-day city but is also where Amsterdam first took root in the 13th Century. It is here that the River Amsel was originally dammed, lending the city its name and giving rise to the thriving fishing village that would eventually become Amsterdam. by Marcia Stubbeman Today, the town square is the cultural epicenter of the city, playing host to iconic attractions like the neo-classical Royal Palace, the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk, and the National Monument - a stoic memorial to the victims of World War II. Also at the square are Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Hotel Krasnapolsky and the Bijenkorf department store, while the De Wallen is just a short walk away. All around are visions of architectural mastery and markers of a colorful past. Numerous carnivals, festivals, concerts and other events are often hosted here as well, creating a vibrant, and vivacious space that is quintessentially Amsterdam. +31 20 201 8800 (Tourist Information) Dam Square, Amsterdam Oude Kerk "Medieval Church" Oude Kerk, or Old Church, is Amsterdam's oldest surviving building and place of worship, with roots that can be traced back to the 13th Century. Despite its rather incongruous location in the midst of the city's Red Light District, the historic church retains its pious allure. From its beginnings as a small wooden church to the beautiful building that exists today, Oude by Guilhem Vellut Kerk has maintained its medieval appearance, despite being stripped of its decorations during the Reformation in the 15th Century. Today, the church is a museum, Calvinist church and tourist attraction, that boasts of a robust contemporary arts program, and historic relics including the graves of local personalities and sculpted misericords. The church itself is an architectural wonder shaped over generations. The city's famous Stille Omgang is an annual event which commemorates the Miracle of the Host and still takes place today annually around the 15th of March, the nocturnal procession ending at De Oude Kerk. +31 20 625 8284 oudekerk.nl/ [email protected] Oudekerksplein 23, Amsterdam The Wooden House "15th Century House" Often referred to as The Wooden House in English, this historic structure replaced its smaller, former design in the 15th century. These wooden houses sprung up all around Amsterdam starting in the mid-1400s featuring an additional storey to their predecessor. All wooden buildings were banned in 1521 because they posed a huge fire risk, but this original design has since become christened into classic Amsterdam Architecture. The building is one of only two historic wooden houses left in the city and is the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam dating from 1470. +31 20 702 6000 (Tourist Information) Begijnhof 34, Amsterdam Herengracht "Witness to Amsterdam's Opulence" Herengracht is the innermost of Amsterdam's major canals, not counting the former moat, Singel. Like its sister canals, Herengracht loops around the inner city to meet the Amstel River. Herengracht was named for the heren regeerders, or "regents," who were the rulers of the Dutch Republic. A notable section of the canal is the Gouden Bocht, or Golden Bend, that by Uppploader once housed the wealthiest citizens of Amsterdam, as can be seen by the many double wide canal houses that formed the palaces of the rich and powerful. A number of canal house museums such as the Willet- Holthuysen and the more unusual Kattenkabinet can be found along this canal. Whether you're cycling or on foot, this canal offers picturesque views of the city. Herengracht, Amsterdam Prinsengracht "Princely Waterway" This canal's name translates to Prince's Canal, and was named after William I. He was also known as William of Orange, and was involved in the 80 Years War which resulted in independence for the Dutch Republic. Prinsengracht is the longest of Amsterdam's major canals, forming the outer circle of the canal ring. Some of the city's most notable buildings by Aforaseem can be found along it, including the Anne Frank House, Noorderkerk and Westerkerk, making for a picturesque stroll. This canal also forms one of the borders of the picturesque Jordaan area, a former working class district that has been reinvented as a center for the arts and for trendy cafes. Prinsengracht, Amsterdam Leidseplein "Bustling Square" One of the busiest and most popular squares in the city, Leidseplein traces its origins to the 17th Century, when the area was demarcated as a gigantic parking lot for horse-drawn wagons. Today, the square is a charming tourist magnet teeming with excellent dining, drinking and nightlife options. Highlight of the square is the magnificent building of the by Jvhertum Stadsschouwburg dating back to the 19th Century. The art deco American Hotel is another eye-catching building to be seen while visiting the square. +31 20 422 3285 (Tourist Information) Leidsestraat, Amsterdam Natura Artis Magistra (Artis Zoo) "Educational and Enchanting" Founded in 1838, Natura Artis Magistra or Artis is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. This bewitching menagerie houses an aquarium, a planetarium, a geological museum and a zoological museum on its premises. There is also a huge library detailing the history of zoology and botany. Surrounded by luscious greenery, of which many are exotic by Yusi Barclay! plants, stroll on winding paths and spot the many wild animals that have made this place home. Visit the historic Wolf House and Masman Garden House to learn about 19th-century architecture. If you want to get closer to nature without leaving the city, then come explore the enthralling Artis. +31 900 278 4796 www.artis.nl [email protected] Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam Kohnstammhuis "A Remarkable Monument" Envisioned by Gijsbert Friedhoff, Kohnstammhuis is a remarkable structure named after Philip Kohnstamm. Completed in 1958, this building has been recognized as a national monument. Upon reopening after renovation in September 2011, it has been used by Hogeschool van Amsterdam. by Public Domain +31 20 599 5555 Wibautstraat 2-4, Amsterdam Vondelpark "Historic Urban Park" This large, green oasis was created in the second half of the 19th Century, and named after the poet Joost van den Vondel (1587-1679), a statue of whom was unveiled here in 1867. Today Vondelpark, one of the most- visited spots in the city, is a restful haven for citizens away from the city's chaos. Come here for inline skating, let your children play in the large by Dguendel playground or have a cup of coffee on one of the four terraces. +31 20 702 6000 (Tourist Information) www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-d Vondelparkbrug, Amsterdam o/things-to- do/nature/overview/vondelpark Oosterpark "Greens & Galas" Oosterpark is one of the largest municipal parks in Amsterdam. Designed by famous Dutch architect Leonard Anthony Springer, this beautiful park came into being in the year 1891. The sprawling English garden is a remarkable sight amid the typical Dutch architecture of the neighborhood; a refreshing tableau of verdant lawns, walking paths and streams by S Sepp sheltered by leafy trees. Memorials and public art are scattered throughout, including the National Slavery Monument and the Theo van Gogh Memorial, also known as The Scream by sculptor, Jeroen Henneman. At the heart of it all lies a tranquil pond populated by wild ducks, while Grey Herons and Parrots flit between the trees. A plethora of live events, from music concerts to cultural festivals are also held at Oosterpark, while the park's 'Speaker's Stone' hosts unabashed talks daily. There's also a wading pool for kids at Amsterdam's most culturally diverse park. +31 20 14 020 (City Park www.amsterdam.nl/toeris [email protected] Oosterpark, Amsterdam Council) me-vrije- m.nl tijd/parken/oosterpark/ Forteiland IJmuiden "Underground Fort" Forteiland IJmuiden is a fortress built on an island in the North Sea to defend the land from enemies.