DutchX.com Netherlands - Amsterdam Introduction and Pictures
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Welcome to Amsterdam,
arguably the Netherlands' most vibrant and colourful city. Although
Amsterdam is not the seat of government (that being Den Haag / The
Hague) it is the capital of the country. It is a thriving hub and
has transport links to match other European capital cities, with the
huge Schipol airport, an air travel hub, and Central Station which
has direct train links to Brussels, Paris and other major cities beyond
the Netherlands' borders.
Amsterdam is a city of culture and contrast, from its world class art galleries to the coffee shops and Red Light district. With kilometre after kilometre of waterways and canals, including wide freight carrying thoroughfares to narrow backwaters, the visitor is never far from one of them even in the heart of the city. Venice it might not be, but the ubiquitous presence of water adds to the relaxed and diverse culture of this destination.
The city is relatively compact and densely packed close to its centre with narrow buildings reaching up over numerous stories as they jostle for position. Many first time visitors are struck by the steep stairs of older hotels, narrow fronted shops or cafes and tiny bars with just enough room for a few tables. Living and working space is most definitely at a premium here. Much of the architecture of Amsterdam is appealing and historic, with traditionally designed buildings Amsterdam is the ideal venue for a short city break or a longer holiday using the city as a centre from which to explore the wider attractions of the area. As a centre for exploration the city is perfect as it has a good network of transport linking it with other parts of the Netherlands. The city itself is compact and the visitor can stroll from one side to the other in less than an hour ......... the problem would be that there would be too many fascinating distractions along the way to allow this! Whatever your criteria for a great holiday, Amsterdam will probably fit the bill. It has a vibrant bar and cafe society, for the socially inclined visitors, but it is also a city with a great respect for the culture and heritage of the land. The works of great artists, notably Vincent Van Gogh, are to be found in the prestigious museums and galleries of the city. No-one who comes to Amsterdam can fail to it ignore the contribution of the canals to the general ambience of the city. Walk round the Grachtengordel, the ring of canals, and take time to sit and relax by the canal in one of the pavement cafes and bars that abound. Whilst here soak up the atmosphere of 'old Amsterdam' as you wander round the 17th and 18th century buildings. Whilst the city cannot guarantee the baking temperatures of the 'sun and sand' sort of holidays it can offer a temperate climate, without extremes, that makes it an all-year option for anyone looking for a break. Many who visit the city are attracted by its reputation for liberalism but this should not be confused with lawlessness. The first-time visitors to Amsterdam will know that they are visiting a city famous for its canals but we don't always ask ourselves 'why' they were dug out. The city began life as a small fishing village at the mouth of the River Amstel. In the late 16th century the river was damned and trade began to take over from fishing as the town learned to live with its new designation as 'Amstelredam'. As the growing town flourished so new waterways were needed and more canals were dug, bringing trading boats from the River Ij right into Dam Square in the heart of the town. Grain from the Baltic ports came in and herrings went out. Even with all this water around, fire was an ever-present hazard for the tightly packed canalside buildings. In the mid 15th century, after yet another seriously destructive fire, it was decided that all future building should be of brick and stone. It is thanks to this decision that there is such a wealth of early buildings still existing that give the old part of the town its distinctive character. Jewish heritage. One of the names that will be forever associated with Amsterdam is that of the young Ann Frank who, though the writings of her diary, opened a window on the daily life of the Jews in hiding from the Nazis in wartime Amsterdam. Throughout Europe, for almost 2000 years, the Jews have been the focus of hate and adverse discrimination. In the late 16th century, however, Amsterdam was more attractive to Jews than other places might be. This was because the largely protestant country was threatened by invasion from the catholic Spanish Hapsburgs. It was realised that the large catholic minority would have to be offered an inducement not to support the Spaniards. This inducement came with the Union of Utrecht in January 1579 in which the northern, largely protestant provinces, allied themselves together and at the same time offered a degree of religious toleration that served to discourage those who might have otherwise benefited from a Spanish victory. This toleration, extended also to the Jews, was practically unheard of in other parts of Europe and Jewish numbers in Amsterdam grew. There were still many restrictions but the more liberal approach still allowed them to prosper in such businesses as tobacco and banking.
Many of the new immigrants were German-speaking Ashkenazi Jews from central Europe and Sephardic Jews from catholic Spain and Portugal. The Jewish people, wherever they originated from, tended to congregate around what is now Waterlooplein (once know as Jodenhoek) ......... hardly the most attractive area it was marshy and susceptible to flooding. But this was no ghetto and the Jews were able to live in other parts of the city, and many did in fact do so. In fact, and conversely, non-Jews often made their home in the Jewish Quarter and, notable amongst these, was the artist Rembrandt. Jewish influence in the city received a boost in the few short years from 1795 to 1806 when Napoleon's armies occupied the province and all restrictions on both Jews and Catholics were lifted. During this time the community spread outwards and established a presence in the areas towards Nieuwmarkt and also towards Nieuwe Herengracht. The focal point of the now disparate community, however, was still in Jodenhoek and, in 1822, many of the old buildings were demolished and some minor waterways filled in to create Waterlooplein, the busy and prosperous centre of Jewish commerce.
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