911爆料网

When in Amsterdam, a visit to the Central Station is practically inevitable. Nearly every traveler to the city encounters it at least once.

Amsterdam Centraal is the largest railway station in the city and has the second longest railway platform in the country, with a length of 695 meters, and a cast-iron platform roof spanning approximately 40 meters. A major international railway hub, it is used daily by almost 200,000 passengers, making it the Netherlands' most visited national heritage object.

Amsterdam Centraal was designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, featuring a blend of Gothic and Renaissance Revival elements.

The station was constructed on three artificial islands, between 1882 and 1889. Controversially located at the city's waterfront, it took a precise total of 8,687 wooden piles to anchor such a monumental structure on the marshy ground. The station spurred significant urban redevelopment and shifted Amsterdam鈥檚 focus from a waterfront to an inland city, influencing both transportation and city planning.

Its design celebrates Dutch economic and colonial prowess through various decorative elements. Initially, the entire project seemed like a huge blunder and was swiftly criticized by numerous experts. However, the architects persevered and ultimately vindicated themselves, defying skeptics.

Through the decades, Amsterdam Centraal has undergone multiple renovations and expansions to meet modern demands. Significant developments included the creation of a pedestrian tunnel in the 1950s, expansion of metro facilities in the late 1970s, and a major overhaul in the 1980s and 1990s that introduced new signaling systems, expanded tracks, and additional roofing. Recent upgrades focus on enhancing capacity and accessibility, including extended platforms for international trains, a new bus station, and upgraded retail spaces, marking it as a central hub in Amsterdam鈥檚 urban landscape.

Tip:
Take advantage of the several free ferry trips navigating the canals, departing every 5 to 15 minutes from this location; they offer a rewarding experience. You can even cruise back to the station via boat if you wish, rounding out your visit with a picturesque waterborne journey.

Dam Square, or the Dam, is a central town square in Amsterdam, known for its significant buildings and frequent events. Positioned in the historical heart of Amsterdam, it sits on the site of the original dam on the Amstel River. The square extends some 200 meters from west to east and 100 meters from north to south, connecting Damrak and Rokin streets that trace the Amstel's original course.

The square is also the termination point for other notable streets like New Dike, Calf Street, and Dam Street, with the main red-light district, De Wallen, just beyond its northeast corner. Prominent features on Dam Square include the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century Gothic New Church, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the National Monument which honors World War II victims, all of which collectively turn the Dam into a major tourist hub.

The name "Amsterdam" originates from a dam built on the Amstel River around 1270. This dam, integral to the city's development, included a discharge sluice and later locks to facilitate navigation and control water levels. By 1275, the settlement was significant enough to be recorded in connection with a road toll granted by the count of Holland, Floris V. Over time, the dam expanded to accommodate a town square, now known as Dam Square. Eventually, the area became a hub for commercial and governmental activities, featuring a large fish market and a town hall.

Significant changes occurred over the centuries, including the demolition of a weigh house in 1808 to clear the view for Louis Bonaparte鈥檚 Royal Palace and the infilling of Damrak Avenue in the 19th century. The square also hosted the Beurs van Zocher stock exchange until 1903. Today, the De Bijenkorf department store has been in its place since 1914. Dam Square has also been a site for national events 鈥� such as the National Memorial Day commemorations at the National Monument unveiled in 1956, and public demonstrations, 鈥� maintaining its status as a national and cultural gathering spot for the Dutch.

Tip:
For those in need of a restroom, free and well-maintained toilets are available at the De Bijenkorf shop on the 5th floor.

Magna Plaza is a grand 19th-century edifice located behind the Royal Palace on Dam Square. Constructed between 1895 and 1899, it showcases a blend of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architectural styles. The building was designed by Cornelis Hendrik Peters and has been listed as a national heritage site of the Netherlands since 1974.

The structure is notable for its elaborate brick exterior adorned with polychromatic brickwork and dressed stone around windows and doors. The roof is distinguished by several dormers, each topped with crow-stepped gables, contributing to its nickname "Perenburg" (or 鈥減ear-castle鈥�) due to the pear-shaped crowns atop its towers.

Originally serving as Amsterdam's central post office, the building symbolized the city鈥檚 economic resurgence in the late 19th century, a period marked by significant developments like the opening of the North Sea Canal and the hosting of a World's Fair in 1883.

In 1987, plans to transform this historic post office into a luxurious shopping mall were announced by Larmag, a Swedish real estate developer. The renovations, which began in 1991, involved meticulous exterior restorations and a complete rebuild of the interior while preserving the structural and decorative elements. Named after Larmag's CEO, Lars-Erik Magnusson, Magna Plaza opened on August 17, 1992, as a shopping center.

Today, Magna Plaza offers a shopping experience across four floors, complemented by several cafes and a variety of stores. Despite its commercial function, the building remains an architectural gem worth visiting for its aesthetic and historical significance alone.

If bridges had egos, the Torensluis would be the show-off of Amsterdam. Spanning a hefty 42 meters, it proudly holds the title of the widest bridge in the city-and one of its oldest. Built in the mid-17th century, it owes its name (which means 鈥渢ower lock鈥�) to the rather dramatic tower that once stood here, before it was unceremoniously demolished in the 19th century. But history leaves its fingerprints-traces of the old tower linger in the bridge鈥檚 pavement and, more intriguingly, in the dungeon lurking beneath. Yes, you heard that right. Beneath your feet, actual prison cells remain, complete with barred windows and an arched entrance. Today, they鈥檙e less about captives and more about culture, hosting exhibitions and events.

The surrounding area has barely aged a day since the Dutch Golden Age of the 1600s. Back when Amsterdam鈥檚 merchants were busy conquering the seas and establishing far-flung trading posts, they also had another pressing priority: outshining their neighbors with lavish homes. The result is a skyline that is as much a victory lap as it is a work of art. Take a slow spin; you鈥檒l find yourself immersed in centuries of architectural bravado.

But the bridge itself isn鈥檛 just about old stones and bygone towers. It also has a statue of Multatuli, the outspoken writer and anti-colonialist who ruffled more than a few feathers in his time. And for those who prefer their history with a side of Dutch hospitality, you鈥檙e in luck! The sun-drenched terraces of Caf茅 van Zuylen is known for its impressive beer selection.

Anne Frank once found comfort in the gentle chimes of the Western Church鈥檚 bells-a reassuring hint of life outside her secret refuge-until those very bells were melted down for the German war effort. The church鈥檚 85-meter-tall tower still stands as Amsterdam鈥檚 most dazzling spire. Rising gracefully above the city, it offers balconies with stunning panoramic views of the center and a carillon that strikes every quarter-hour, plus occasional full musical interludes. At its tip, you鈥檒l find Emperor Maximilian鈥檚 crown, a proud emblem of Amsterdam and a glittering highlight of this Protestant landmark. Built by Hendrick de Keyser and completed in 1631, a decade after his passing, the church was a vital piece of the city鈥檚 early expansion.

Outwardly, the Western Church projects an air of restrained elegance; inside, however, it embraces Calvinist simplicity. Apart from the ample plain-glass windows that flood the space with natural light, the main attractions are the grand Baroque organ and the ornate wooden pulpit, topped by an oversized sounding board that once lent authority to lengthy sermons. While the Protestant elite shunned opulent decorations, they did indulge in a little exclusivity: boxed-in benches at the base of the nave鈥檚 stone columns, rented out by the well-to-do to signal their status.

Feeling adventurous? From April to October, you can climb the tower for a firsthand look at the bells and unbeatable views from a platform near the top. The stairs are steep enough to be interesting, but not so tough as to keep you from reaching one of the best vantage points in Amsterdam.

This neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church, with its striking brick fa莽ade from 1854, is a visual stunner-no tower necessary. Its exterior commands attention and makes a photographer鈥檚 job delightfully easy, while the interior goes all out: literally every column, corner, and crevice is painted, with stained glass windows adding an extra dose of grandeur. It鈥檚 a feast for the eyes, inside and out.

Back in the day, Gothic architecture held a special place in Catholic hearts, as it harked back to the glory days of majestic cathedrals. In December 1854, the Catholic newspaper De Tijd heaped praise on the newly built church: 鈥淭he Church of Our Lady stands as a testament to the marvels of Gothic architecture. Within its walls, one encounters no mishmash of discordant styles and orders, a regrettable sight often witnessed in various church edifices, including those of more recent origin. This architectural style radiates purity and harmony among its diverse elements, coming together to form a breathtaking entirety that leaves an indelible mark on all who cross its sacred threshold. The facade, too, is a masterpiece, gracing the Emperor鈥檚 Canal.鈥�

Fast forward to 1985, and the church was handed over to the Syrian Orthodox Church. But Catholic services still hold their ground. For Sunday Mass, tourists are more than welcome, with services conveniently offered in English.

Amid the canal district of Amsterdam lies a charming enclave known as the "Nine Little Streets". This cluster of quaint byways, situated adjacent to the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Singel canals in the heart of Amsterdam, has borne this moniker since the 1990s. Collectively, these streets constitute a distinct micro-neighborhood nestled within the broader western Grachtengordel, or "Canal Belt", renowned for its eclectic array of small shops and eateries.

Woven with intricate brickwork lanes, the Nine Little Streets beckon with an assortment of offerings, including designer boutiques like Antonia by Yvette, Donna Fiera, and Sky Fashions, as well as inviting cafes, vintage emporiums, and specialty stores. Meandering through these charming streets can easily occupy your hours as you explore the diverse treasures they hold.

Tip:
Bij Ons Vintage, located at Reestraat #13, is a vintage boutique specializing in denim, leather, and sportswear dating from the 1950s to the 1970s. It's an excellent destination for discovering distinctive clothing and accessories that won't break the bank.
Meanwhile, at #20, the petite waxwork establishment known as Pontifex rivals Madame Tussauds with its vibrant assortment of candles in every conceivable variety. Adjacent to it, you'll find the intriguing clinic of the somewhat eerie doll doctor, Kramer.

The Beguine Courtyard of the Begijnhof Chapel, one of Amsterdam's most ancient hidden courtyards, holds the distinction of being the sole inner court in the city founded during the Middle Ages and situated within the Singel-the innermost canal of Amsterdam's circular canal system. Adorned with manicured gardens, this courtyard sits at medieval street level, which places it a meter lower than the rest of the old city center. As the name suggests, it originally belonged to a community of Beguines-laywomen leading a semi-monastic life dedicated to prayer and charitable endeavors.

A cluster of historical edifices, predominantly private residences, surrounds the courtyard. These are tall townhouses, characterized by the distinctive Amsterdam architectural style, accentuating the court's relatively secluded ambiance. Unlike most courtyards, the buildings here are not arranged in rows connecting one dwelling to another; instead, there are 47 traditional townhouses, many adorned with facades dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. However, the structures themselves often have origins predating this period, with eighteen of them retaining their original Gothic wooden framework.

During medieval times, the courtyard was entirely encircled by canals, offering only one entrance accessible via a bridge. Today, remnants of this entrance, known as the Begijnesloot, are still visible, thanks to a restoration effort in 1907. The stone doorway prominently displays the figure of Saint Ursula, the patron saint of Amsterdam's Beguines. Meanwhile, the entrance on Spuistraat, which was constructed at a later date, underwent significant changes in the 19th century.

In Amsterdam, the beguines, devout Catholic women who remained unmarried, may have lost their original church to the rise of Calvinism, which led to the establishment of the current English Reformed Church in the city. However, in accordance with the terms of the 'Alteratie', which was then part of the larger conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism in Europe, they were granted the opportunity to discreetly conduct Mass in the secret Catholic Begijnhof Chapel, which was set up in a house situated directly across from their former church. Initially consecrated to Saint John the Baptist, it was subsequently rededicated to Saint Ursula, the patron saint of the beguines. This quaint little chapel is still in use today, adorned with rather sentimental religious paintings, a splendid altar featuring a depiction of the Last Supper, and an array of other religious artworks and relics.

The adjacent peaceful courtyard, which dates back to 1346, served as the residence for beguines who led a semi-monastic life in service to the community (the last beguine passed away in 1970). Nowadays, the little gabled houses in Begijnhof, constructed between the 14th and 17th centuries, provide homes for elderly retired women, so it's advisable to be respectful of their privacy. During springtime, the Begijnhof lawn is adorned with a colorful carpet of daffodils and crocuses, enhancing the tranquil and spiritual ambiance of the place.

Tip:
For those interested, you can find Het Houten Huys ("The Wooden House") just across the courtyard's lawn. This remarkable structure, dating back to 1425, is the oldest house in Amsterdam and one of only two surviving wooden residences in the city.

Calf Street is a pedestrian zone and a major shopping street, running for about 750 meters from Dam Square to Muntplein Square. Alongside are a number of notable locations such as the former Orphanage building (now housing the Amsterdam Museum), the Saints Peter and Paul church, and the Orphanage Gate.

The street traces its roots back to the 14th century when it was known as The Lane and served as the western dike of the Amstel River. Later, it came to be known as Calf Street after the cattle market that existed there from 1486 until 1629.

On 16 March 1345, a Eucharistic miracle (known as the Miracle of Amsterdam or the Miracle of the Host) occurred in the area. Upon receiving the Holy Sacrament and last rites, a dying man vomited The Host (or the Sacramental bread used in the Christian ritual of the Eucharist). According to liturgical regulations, The Host was then put into fire but miraculously 鈥渟urvived鈥� and was retrieved from the ashes intact the following day. This miracle was quickly acknowledged and, eventually, a large pilgrim chapel, called the "Holy Site", was built on the spot where it occurred. Presently, this miracle is commemorated annually with a Silent Procession through Calf Street.

By the late 19th century, Calf Street was the first street in Amsterdam to be paved, fitted with electricity, and hosted the first public film screening by the Lumi猫re brothers (in 1896). The V&D branch on Calf Street, opened in 1912, was the Netherlands' first real department store and the first to feature elevators and escalators.

Today, Calf Street is the most expensive shopping street in the Netherlands, with rent prices reaching up to 3,000 euros per square meter. It has approximately 150 shops including several department stores, such as Bijenkorf (Amsterdam's premier option), Peek & Cloppenburg, and Maison de Bonneterie. The five-story Kalvertoren shopping center adds about 40+ stores to the area. At Number 212, you'll encounter the ever-present and budget-friendly HEMA, established in 1926, offering affordable designer goods, practical clothing, stationery, kitchenware, and food items.

Calf Street also features a branch of the Waterstone's bookshop chain, at Number 152. On Rokin, is one of the standout shops 鈥� the PGC Hajenius tobacconist, at Number 96. If you have a penchant for Havanas from a well-maintained humidor or seek a traditional clay pipe as a souvenir, this establishment is sure to delight you.

Introduced in 1995, the Shopping Sunday regulation, allowing local shops to work on Sundays, has been drawing additional crowds to the area ever since.

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is a historic monument on Dam Square and is one of the four palaces in the Netherlands still left at the disposal of the Dutch Royal Family.

Its inception dates back to 1655. Back then, the city had recently thwarted William of Orange's attempts to subdue it and the city council sought a residence that would symbolize Amsterdam's municipal authority and pride. This led to a remarkably forward-thinking design-the Dutch interpretation of the classical principles revived during the Italian Renaissance. The architectural project led by Jacob van Campen implied over 13,500 wooden piles to support the building.

Initially designed as the town hall overlooking the bustling Damrak wharves, it was converted into a royal palace by King Louis I of Holland, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, in 1806.

In 1936, the building was designated a property of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Today, it serves a ceremonial role for the monarchy, hosting state visits, official functions, and award ceremonies. The palace also played a pivotal role during the investiture of Queen Beatrix in 1980.

The building's distinctive sandstone fa莽ade has darkened over time. Astride the rear of it is a 6-meter statue of Atlas carrying the globe.

The interior is equally opulent, notably in the Citizens' Hall, featuring an arcaded marble chamber where the enthroned figure of Amsterdam presides over the earthly and celestial realms. Three circular, inlaid marble maps, depicting the eastern and western hemispheres, as well as the northern sky, lie at her feet. Other allegorical figures include Wisdom and Strength, flanking "Amsterdam" on her left and right, while the reliefs on either side of the central group portray the principles of good governance. On the left, the god Amphion plays his lyre, persuading stones to form a wall; and on the right, Mercury seeks to lull Argos to sleep, thus emphasizing the importance of vigilance.

Tip:
Before your visit, be sure to check online for opening hours, as the palace may occasionally be closed due to royal events.
Free entry for those under 18 and discounts for seniors and students are available.

Crafted by the renowned Dutch architect Jacobus Oud, Dam Square proudly hosts a 22-meter (70-foot) tall obelisk, serving as a poignant memorial to the Second World War. Behind this solemn monument, urns hold soil collected from cemeteries and execution sites. The structure has become a national symbol, where each year, on May 4th, the Remembrance of the Dead ceremony takes place.

While this obelisk garners attention from numerous visitors, only a select few truly grasp its intricate symbolism. Adorned with exquisite details arranged in concentric circles, the obelisk features sculptures depicting men, howling dogs, and birds. On the front side, two male figures symbolize the Dutch Resistance Movement, while the left and right sides represent intellectuals and the working class, respectively. Dogs are emblematic of loyalty and suffering, while a woman with a child represents victory, peace, and new beginnings. Meanwhile, doves ascending to the skies symbolize freedom and liberation.

Why You Should Explore:
One of the most important European symbols that recall the immense tragedy of the Second World War. A tranquil spot for a brief pause while you explore other attractions in the vicinity.

Amsterdam鈥檚 oldest building, the Old Church, boasts the largest medieval wooden vault in Europe. The initial wooden chapel on this site was built around 1213. Eventually replaced by a stone structure, in 1306, the church was dedicated to Saint Nicolas. To ensure its stability in a marshy area, the foundations were set on an artificial mound.

Throughout the centuries, the church has undergone numerous transformations. The most significant, in the 15th century, included the addition of north and south transepts, forming a cross shape, and the expansion of the aisles prompted by the necessity to recover from the destruction caused by fires in the early 1400s. Originally Roman Catholic, the church transitioned to its present Calvinist denomination in 1578, after the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. This transition led to the Iconoclastic Fury, with rioters destroying much of the church's art.

The Old Church boasts significant artistic and personal histories. It has ties to Rembrandt, who was a frequent visitor here for his children鈥檚 christenings. Today, this connection is honored by the annual celebration of Rembrandt鈥檚 wife, Saskia, who is buried inside. Each spring, on March 9, her tomb is illuminated by a unique play of sunlight in the morning.

The entire floor of the church is covered in gravestones. This is because it's built over a cemetery. Locals continued to be buried here until 1865. There are in total 2,500 graves, holding the remains of some 10,000 parishioners. Among them are the famed organist and composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck; the revered naval hero Jacob van Heemskerck; and Frans Banning Cocq, the central character in Rembrandt's painting "The Night Watch".

Also, the interior 鈥� surprisingly spacious 鈥� contains a collection of exquisite stained glass, rare ceiling frescoes, and four pipe organs, including the renowned Vater-M眉ller organ built in 1724 and recognized as one of the finest Baroque organs in Europe.

As of 2012, the Old Church has been home to an art institute, the newest in town, featuring specific installations and a permanent exhibit on the history of Amsterdam.

Each year in mid-March, Catholics arrive at the Old Church to celebrate the so-called "Miracle of Amsterdam" which occurred in 1345. Legend has it that after taking communion, a dying man vomited the Sacramental bread 鈥� known as the Host 鈥� which is used in the Christian ritual of the Eucharist. When the bread was thrown into a fire, as prescribed by the tradition, it did not burn and was proclaimed a miracle. The Host was then put in a chest and displayed at the church. However, it disappeared during the Reformation period.

Tip:
Wonderful views from the tower (note the fee payable with credit/debit cards only); coffee and snacks are available in a charming garden.

The Weigh House, a medieval trading hub dating back to 1488, began as a customs house, where goldsmiths and silversmiths worked their magic on the upper floors. Today, it鈥檚 home to a lively bar and restaurant, but inside you can still marvel at the hefty timber beams and what鈥檚 left of the old weighing scales.

Originally, this building was taller, but the 16th-century city planners had other ideas. When Amsterdam鈥檚 defensive walls came down, the gatehouse lost its fortification and its height. The surrounding moat was filled in, creating a bustling market square, and the ground level was raised, leaving the Weigh House looking quite different than it did in its heyday.

Even so, the building remained at the heart of Amsterdam鈥檚 cultural life. It was here that Rembrandt van Rijn painted 鈥淭he Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolas Tulp,鈥� the work that launched his legendary career. Over the centuries, the Weighing House served many roles, hosting museums, city institutions, and even a fire brigade. In 1996, it found new purpose under the care of the Waag (鈥淲eigh House鈥�) Society, ensuring its historic charm endures for generations to come.

Across the water from the Station Square (鈥淪tationsplein鈥�), you'll see the striking twin towers and dome of Saint Nicholas. It鈥檚 Amsterdam鈥檚 main Catholic church, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and the city itself. Built in the 1880s, it reflects a mix of revival styles, mainly Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance influences.

Step inside and you鈥檒l find a grand interior adorned with religious murals, which some might find a bit sentimental. The colorful brickwork, however, adds a distinctive charm. Above the main altar is the Habsburg Emperor Maximilian鈥檚 crown-a prominent symbol of the city. You鈥檒l see this crown referenced often, as it represents an important historical connection.

In the late 15th century, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian visited Amsterdam as a pilgrim. While recovering from an illness, he received considerable support from the city鈥檚 residents, who even helped fund his military campaigns. In return, Maximilian granted Amsterdam the right to incorporate his crown into its coat of arms. This royal emblem endured through centuries, even surviving the 17th-century revolt against Spain, and remains a proud part of the city鈥檚 identity.