Best Landmarks in Amsterdam"
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"Best Landmarks in Amsterdam" Created by: Cityseeker 20 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 Belle "Red Light Monument" This pint-sized statue located beside the Oude Kerk in the center of Amsterdam's Red Light District was erected in honor of the millions of people throughout Amsterdam (and the world) who work in the sex trade, willingly or not. The statue was commissioned by the Prostitute Information Center's founder and operator Mariska Majoor, and was unveiled in March 2007 as part of the Red Light District's Second Open Day. Belle is the work of Dutch artist Els Rijerse and is made of steel reinforced bronze on top of a granite plinth. +31 20 702 6000 (Tourist Information) Oudekerksplein, Amsterdam Anne Frank Statue "Monument to Tolerance" Perhaps the most famous Dutch resident of the 20th Century, Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who wrote of her experiences in a diary that was later published by her father, the last surviving member of the family. The Anne Frank house is now Amsterdam's most popular tourist attraction, and around the corner on the grounds of nearby Westerkerk is a bronze statue to this exceptional young lady. It was created by Dutch artist Mari Silverster Andriessen, who best known for his many works commemorating Holocaust victims. +31 20 702 6000 (Tourist Information) Westerkerk, Amsterdam Westerkerk "Amsterdam's Most Famous Church" The Netherlands' most renowned church has been the source of inspiration for many musicians. The famous tower was completed in 1638, its bells manufactured by acclaimed bell-founder François Hemony in 1658. Though the Protestant community owned Westerkerk, the tower was the property of the local authorities and served as a lookout. This by paulius.malinovskis marks the site of Rembrandt's burial, as well as the marriage of Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus. For Anne Frank, whose hidden annex is located just a few doors down, the ringing of the clock was a beacon of hope during World War II. +31 20 624 7766 [email protected] Prinsengracht 279b, www.westerkerk.nl/ 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 New Market "Authentic Piece of Amsterdam" Originally a lively fish and cloth market, this square upon which the castle- like De Waag building stands was the holding place for Jews arrested during World War II. In the 1970s, Chinese immigrants created a small Chinatown, and a decade later, locals protested the construction of a subway station here. On weekdays the square is a cool gathering place surrounded by pubs and small restaurants where you can eat well for very little money. While Saturdays sees the square occupied by the weekly farmers' market, where you will find everything from from fruits and vegetables to cosmetics and curios. A delightful walk along the canals amid some of Amsterdam's oldest houses is highly recommended. www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/areas/amsterdam- Nieuwmarkt, Binnen Bantammerstraat 15, Amsterdam neighbourhoods/centre/nieuwmarkt-district Munttoren en Muntplein "Beautiful Tower Near Amstel River" The Munttoren en Muntplein of the former Regulier's Gate was built around CE 1480. Regulier's Gate was part of the old town rampart. It became obsolete when the city expanded its borders southwards at the end of the sixteenth century. After the great fire of 1618, the lower part was left intact. The city allowed architect Hendrick de Keyser to reconstruct the wooden upper part. The Hemony brothers, famous for their bell-foundry, were commissioned to make the carillon. The tower was used as a minthouse in the 17th Century. +31 20 251 4900 Muntplein 12, Amsterdam Centraal Station "Heritage Railway Station" Amsterdam's Centraal Station dates back to 1889, when it was first used for the transport of goods. Today, besides being Amsterdam's largest and busiest railway station, it is a rijksmonument (Netherland's national heritage site) and an important tourist attraction in its own right. The designer of Rijksmuseum, P.J.H. Cuypers, was the chief architect during by Slaunger its construction. Its magnificent facade is a blend of Neo-Renaissance and Gothic Revival styles of architecture. The building's foundation consists of 8687 wooden piles, while its roof made from cast iron stretches for 40 meters (131.2 feet). The original construction has been rebuilt more than once due to rapidly expanding traffic and rail transport. With an influx of more than 250,000 passengers everyday, it ranks among the top three busiest railway stations in the country. +31 20 702 6000 www.amsterdamcentraal.nu/ Stationsplein, Amsterdam The Jordaan "Iconic, Historic District" One of the city's oldest neighborhoods, the Jordaan traces its roots to the 17th Century as an area built for the working class. The neighborhood has since transformed into an upscale quarter. Today, the Jordaan is a harmonious blend of the old and new, with charming historical courtyards, stellar art galleries, and great dining options. Of particular interest are the by djedj markets regularly held at Noordermarkt, Lindengracht and Westerstraat, the Jordaan Museum, and the Westerkerk with its lofty bell tower. Over the years, the neighborhood's diverse makeup has also given rise to a distinctive musical style that is still celebrated through performances at Jordaan's many bars and cafes.