Amsterdam’s medieval wooden houses have given way to brick structures. One of Amsterdam’s grand sights is Oude Kerk (Old Church), housed within De Wallen; for centuries this church served as one of the most significant Dutch places of worship before being overtaken by Nieuwe Kerk.
Amsterdam’s reputation as a centre of liberated human nature stems from its longstanding tradition of cosmopolitanism, with notable sites like Westerkerk Church and Homomonument serving as reminders of people persecuted because of their sexual orientation.
Koninklijk Paleis
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam, or Koninklijk Paleis in Dutch, is one of three palaces available to a monarch and located on Dam Square. Constructed between 1648-1665 during Amsterdam’s Golden Age period between 1648-1665 as an original purpose – city hall display – showcased wealth and power within 17th-century Amsterdam with its classical facade and intricate sculptures meant to glorify both city life and government alike.
Construction of the Palace was an immense effort that required many medieval houses to be demolished in its course. When completed, it became Europe’s largest secular building at that time and made an indelible mark on contemporary society; poet Constantijn Huygens hailed it as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ – an impressive testament to Amsterdam’s confidence at the start of its Golden Age. Though still used primarily for official state functions like receptions of foreign Heads of State or hosting King’s New Year receptions etc, whenever possible it can also be open for public tours when needed.
Beurs van Berlage
The Beurs van Berlage is one of Amsterdam’s most recognizable buildings. Conceived and designed as a commodity exchange by famed city planner Hendrik Petrus Berlage, its design has had an enormous influence on modern architecture. Notable features of this structure include its distinctive bell tower inside its boxed turret as well as expressive arrangements of bricks, stone piers and lintels that stand out amongst similar structures around the city.
Berlage embraced the gesamtkunstwerk concept, in which architecture is combined with painting, sculpture, and poetry. To this end, he collaborated with artists like Jan Toorop, Albert Verwey, and Lambertus Zijl to achieve this aim; for instance he commissioned a bas-relief above each entrance arch depicting Paradise on one side, Future on the middle one, and Tainted Civilization on its right.
The Beurs van Berlage exudes history and charm. Today it serves as an inviting conference location with impressive facilities. Don’t forget the Beurs will host world-class events, fairs, expositions and two restaurants plus two cafes; not to mention two escape rooms and Tony’s Chocolonely super store – making your experience here something to remember!
Begijnhof
Begijnhof, or beguinage as it was commonly known, was built during the 14th century as a home for Catholic women who desired a pious life without entering convents. These “beguine sisters” were expected to maintain a life of service to church while remaining independent – with many owning their own homes.
Begijnhof endured during Amsterdam’s Protestant conversion in 1678 when Catholicism was forbidden publicly and Catholic services at its clandestine church continued uninterrupted. Begijnhof’s houses remained private ownership while its services continued without disruption.
The courtyard is filled with traditional houses decorated with religious-themed gable stones and plaques. Het Houten Huis (Beguinage House No 34) is the oldest wooden front house still standing; restored in 1956-57 it remains as the city’s oldest surviving wooden front house. At the south edge of the square stands Engelse Kerk from 15th Century which still boasts its original medieval tower.
Museumplein
Amsterdam’s Jordaan district is an ideal meeting place, always bustling with locals and visitors alike. A large green space that also hosts many events, it serves as an ideal picnicking site where soccer, petanque and other outdoor sports are played during warm days; then in winter turns into an ice skating rink for locals and visitors.
Amsterdam boasts several top museums that draw millions of tourists each year, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and Moco Museum – which draw in millions of visitors each year – in addition to housing the Concertgebouw and Concertgebouw Theatre.
At the end of the nineties, this square underwent a dramatic makeover. A wide street that used to run across it has since disappeared and an extra wing for Van Gogh Museum has been added. Now this square boasts both old-world charm and contemporary elements for an enjoyable viewing experience.
