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| Nieuwe Kerk |
| Nieuwe Kerk |
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Adjacent to the Royal Palace is Nieuwe Kerk, a church of the highest order. Akin to the Gothic churches of France, it was built circa 1400 due to the shortage of churches in the city and over the years, many changes have been made. The New Church remarkably managed to escape major damage in 1421 and 1452, the two great fires of Amsterdam, although two centuries later it was reduced to ashes when plumbers accidentally started a fire.
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The church however has been faithfully restored to its former glory, exhibiting the original early Renaissance style features throughout even though it remains tower-less. Since 1815, Dutch monarchs and other members of the Royal Family have been officially inaugurated here, including the late Queen Beatrix, Queen Wilhelmina and Queen Juliana. On 2 February 2002, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima married in the beautiful church. In between coronations and weddings, the New Church houses art galleries and temporary exhibitions. |
| Begijnhof |
| Begijnhof |
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This peaceful medieval haven in the centre of a cosmopolitan city can be reasonably difficult to find. Well kept lawns with tall trees surrounded by cottages which are hundreds of years old, an abundance of flowers and a small medieval church, situated in the middle make up this beautiful courtyard. The Begijnhof was built in the 14th Century as a place where devote women, who did not want to enter a convent, were able to live.
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The oldest house in Amsterdam can also be found here - it has a wooden frontage dating from about 1475. A narrow, vaulted passageway leads to this charming garden surrounded by old houses. The houses in the courtyard were once occupied by devout celibate Béguine nuns and are still home to single women today. In the centre of the lawns is a medieval church and at No.34 stands the oldest house in Amsterdam. The entrance is on the Spui and is indicated by a carved sign. Entry is free. |
| Dam Square |
| Dam Square |
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The original site where the first dam was built across the Amstel River in 1270. Dam Square lies at the heart of Amsterdam and contains a number of important attractions including the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) and Nieuwe Kerk. The Dam is the very centre and heart of Amsterdam, although there are arguably prettier sights in the city. As an historical site however, it is fascinating and worth taking the time to appreciate.
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The Dam has seen many historical dramas unfold over the years, and was for example, the reception area for Napoleon and his troops during the 1808 take-over of the city. The impressive history of the square is well documented in the Amsterdam Historical Museum. The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) which dominates the square, was originally used as the town hall and its classical facade and fine sculptures were intended to glorify the city of Amsterdam and its government. In contrast to its turbulent history, the square is now a peaceful place and is home to hundreds of pigeons and tourists resting their tired feet. |
| Amsterdam's Canals |
| Amsterdam's Canals |
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Many visitors to Amsterdam are surprised by the sheer amount of water in the city. The enormous number of canals have led Amsterdam to become known as “The Venice of the North”. And thus, a trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a boat-ride. A canal-tour can be both fascinating and relaxing by day and enchanting and romantic at night when many of the houses and bridges are illuminated.
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The four main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel. There are also numerous smaller canals, of which the Brouwersgracht, the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant . |
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