Amsterdam Sights - The Main Attractions And Leading Sightseeing Places / Landmarks In Amsterdam
Related Pages: |
||
Amsterdams Attractions Sightseeing & Landmarks
With over 150 canals spanned by eight times as many bridges and surrounded by over 6.500 historic buildings this city outshines Venice in some respects. Architectually it is very diverse though - which at times is very intriquing. Housed in a very unattractive modern concrete box which could be the entrance to a metro station the Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum has the worlds largest and finest collection of Van Gogh's paintings with over 200 paintings complimented by 500 sketches. The museum also has exhibitions of other 19th century artists.
The Rijksmuseum, Hollands leading museum is nearing the end of a major refurbishment and sadly many of its treaures cannot be seen at present. The museum has endeavoured to display key works from the 17th century which is often called the Dutch Golden Age including Rembrandts the 'Night Watch'. Other works by de Hooch, Gerard Dou, van Heemskerck, Paulus Potter, Jan Steen, and Vermeer are also featured. The museum also has two 17th century Dolls Houses comlete with their furniture and some excellent examples of Delfware.
More sobering is Anne Frank House where for just over two years Anne Frank lived with her Jewish family and a couple of riends lived in a secret annex at the back Prinsengracht 263 during the Nazis occupation of the city in WW2. The childhood diary of Anne Frank account of her incarcaration is legendary as sadly they were betrayed and sent to their deaths at concentration camps. (see Auschwitz and Birkenau Guide).
Magere Bridge, is the most famous of Amsterdams classic wooden draw bridges. Built in 1871 to replace a smaller 1670 bridge It spans the river Amstel near the Carre Theatre between Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht During the day it is raised 2 or three times an hour. At night is floodlit and popular with lovers!
The splendid Amsterdam Royal Palace situated in the centre of Amsterdam in Dam Square was built in the second half of the 17th century as the city hall. Artists and Sculptors including Rembrandt were commisioned to decorate its interior. In 1806 duriing the citys occupation by Napoleon it was renovated and converted to a palace. Some of the Emperors original furnishings remain to this day. Check website for opening times.
The Netherlands Maritime Museum has dozens of ships that were part of the Dutch Navy during the country's imperialistic era. One replica ship moored on the jetty outside has actors re-enacting the role and life of sailors.
Probably the most fascinating part of Amsterdam is the The Begijnhof Courtyard which dates back to the 14th century. The earliest suriving building in this completely enclosed courtyard is dated 1420. The Begijnhof was built as a sactuary for the Begijntjes, a Catholic sisterhood who a lifestlye similar to nuns but without taking vows.
On the southside of courtyard there is a 15th century English Church still blessed with its original tower. Children will appreciate the Kinderboerderij De Pijp (Childrens Farm) at Lizzy Ansinghstraat 82 Tel. 020 664-8303. The animals mentioned above, kids can get close to include donkeys, ducks goats peacocks pigs ponies and turkeys. The farm is open Wednesday to Monday from 1 to 5pm; admission free.
Probaby not a priority for many people these days but worth a visit even if your only window shopping is the famous Amsterdam Diamond Centre. Buyers are also welcome. Address Rokin 1-5 Trams 4, 9, 14, 24, 25. website Opens 10am daily Closes Mon Tue & Wed 6pm - Thurs Fri, & Sat; 8.30pm and Sunday 5pm.
If you need an innocent excuse to go to the red light district the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in the Old Centre could be your salvation. Built in 1408 it survived two fires in the same century and was later left in ruins by the Great Fire of 1645. During its fiery history it also lost many of its fittings- including the altar during the Reformation. It also boasts a fine three hundred year organ often used in the churches frequently held concerts and recitals. Public exhibitions are often staged here as well. see website for more info. Generally open from 10am to 6pm but this depends on what's on. Trams 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 17, 24, 25.
In its hey day the Heineken Brewery at Stadhouderskade 78
was the haunt of pub lads wanting to get completely ratted for a couple of quid the admission charge for a tour of the brewery an access to as much beer as they could down en route. Those day ended about twenty years ago when the beer production ceased and nowdays the old brewery i