Page 42 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2016 - Amsterdam

40 ❯❯ Top 10 Amsterdam Highlights

Dam Square

The very heart of Amsterdam, Dam Square – or “the Dam”, as the
locals call it – marks the site of the original 13th-century dam on
the Amstel river (see p13). By the 17th century, with the town hall
here and the Exchange nearby, the Dam had become the focus of
Amsterdam’s political and commercial life. An architectural parade
spanning six centuries includes the glorious Nieuwe Kerk and the
Koninklijk Paleis. The passage of years may have eroded some of
its grandeur – but none of its colour or vitality.

Koninklijk
5
Paleis
Built as the town hall,
Jacob van Campen’s
unsmiling Classical
edifice symbolizes the
worldly power of 17th-
century Amsterdam.
The Royal Palace is
still used by the Dutch
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
1 Royal House for state
occasions (see p87), but
Displays at this out post of the London
waxworks range from the fascinating to the bizarre. is otherwise open to
Special effects, inc luding animatronics, bring to life visitors to discover its
scenes from Holland’s past (above). rich history and interior.
Street 2
Performances
and Events
Busking, mime acts,
funfairs, book fairs,
exhibitions, concerts –
such things have gone
on in the Dam (right)
since J Cabalt introduced
his puppet show in 1900.
Damrak
De Bijenkorf
Nationaal
3 4 6
Monument
De Bijenkorf
Damrak was once
the medieval city’s This 22-m (70-ft)-tall (which literally translates
busiest canal, with ships obelisk commemorates as “the beehive”) is
sailing up to be unloaded the Dutch killed in World Amsterdam’s most
at the Dam. In 1672, the War II. Embedded in the famous high-end
canal was partially filled wall behind are urns department store. It
in, and Damrak became con taining soil from the boasts a vast perfumery,
the shopping strip it is Dutch provinces and designer fashion bouti-
today (below). overseas colonies. ques and much more.

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