Amsterdam's Centraal Station dates back to 1889, when it was first used for the transport of goods. Today, besides being Amsterdam's largest and busiest railway station, it is a rijksmonument (Netherland's national heritage site) and an important tourist attraction in its own right. The designer of Rijksmuseum, P.J.H. Cuypers, was the chief architect during its construction. Its magnificent facade is a blend of Neo-Renaissance and Gothic Revival styles of architecture. The building's foundation consists of 8687 wooden piles, while its roof made from cast iron stretches for 40 meters (131.2 feet). The original construction has been rebuilt more than once due to rapidly expanding traffic and rail transport. With an influx of more than 250,000 passengers everyday, it ranks among the top three busiest railway stations in the country.
A significant landmark in the city, the statue of the artist himself looks on from the center of the bustling square named in Rembrandt's honor. The square is a popular location for its local scene with restaurants, bars and cafes all around. Aside from that, in the square visitors can find tours of Stoeltie Diamonds and Theater Tuschinski, the historic but recently renovated art deco movie palace. As such, Rembrandtplein is one of the busiest spots in the city.
Situated on the Dutch peninsula Ijsselmeer, Paard van Marken boasts of a height of 17 meters (55.7743 feet). The history of this place can be traced to 1700 when there stood a lighthouse here. The present lighthouse located here was built in 1839 and has been listed in the heritage monuments since 1970. Listed as Rijksmonument - a national heritage site, the impressive structure can be seen from the outside.
Mark Raven captures Amsterdam in all of its glory through his celebrated sketches, drawings, and prints. From hauntingly beautiful windmills to charming canals, Mark Raven's art is stunning and at times whimsical. Stop by to shop for art or pick up a souvenir in the form of t-shirts and posters.
Oosterpark is one of the largest municipal parks in Amsterdam. Designed by famous Dutch architect Leonard Anthony Springer, this beautiful park came into being in the year 1891. The sprawling English garden is a remarkable sight amid the typical Dutch architecture of the neighborhood; a refreshing tableau of verdant lawns, walking paths and streams sheltered by leafy trees. Memorials and public art are scattered throughout, including the National Slavery Monument and the Theo van Gogh Memorial, also known as The Scream by sculptor, Jeroen Henneman. At the heart of it all lies a tranquil pond populated by wild ducks, while Grey Herons and Parrots flit between the trees. A plethora of live events, from music concerts to cultural festivals are also held at Oosterpark, while the park's 'Speaker's Stone' hosts unabashed talks daily. There's also a wading pool for kids at Amsterdam's most culturally diverse park.
The Haarlemmerpoort is the only remaining vestige of old Amsterdam. These old gates used to surround the city. Others built included: Leidsepoort, Muiderpoort and Utrechtsepoort. They functioned as guarded entrances to the city and as exits out of town. The gates led to the cities with which their names matched: The Haarlemmer Gate led to Haarlem and the Leidsepoort to Leiden. Until 1825, Amsterdam was located inside these gates. Following another city expansion, the gates and the town ramparts became useless and were taken down. In 1840, the Haarlemmerpoort was restored in the classical style by architect C. Alewijn.
Visit the Royal Asscher Diamond Company to learn more about the diamond industry from one of the world's most famous diamond cutter. It all began in 1854 when Joseph Isaac Asscher a famous local artisan started the company. Visit the store to purchase a piece of jewellery to gift a loved one for a special occasion. They come out with the new collection from time to time with bold designs.
Designed by Jeroen Henneman, the Theo Van Gogh monument or more likely called 'The Scream' is a memorial dedicated in memory of slain film-director Theo Van Gogh. The Scream is a very simple yet powerful piece of art that depicts the profile of Van Gogh in a scream. Freedom of speech, is what the artist tries to convey through it as it was believed to be one of Theo Van Gogh's beliefs that was the bone of discontent for thousands.
Nieuwe Kerk, Katwijk aan Zee is one of the oldest works of H.J. Jesse who is known for designing noted architectural structures in Oegestgeest, Leiden and Katwijk including the New Church in the city of Katwijk. The church was built in late 19th century and completed in the year 1887. The brick building has a gabled structure with two short isles and a distinct tall tower which is 51 meters (167.33 feet) high. Tall arched windows and an ornate and magnificent church organ add to the beauty through their lovely detailing.
Located along the western girdles of canals, The Merchant House is a contemporary art gallery that not only showcases the work of artists but also sells them. With regularly changing exhibits that feature the work of local artists, at this gallery you are certain to see something that will catch your eye.
Dating back to 1679, Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal & Liquor Store has been serving a variery of gins and liquors. Tucked away on a side alley, the small tasting room and liquor store is full of distilled beverages in its 17th-century ambiance. Considered to be among the oldest bars in Amsterdam, its vintage tasting room replete with antique bottles and period furnishing is a fabulous place to sip on age old Dutch liqueurs, genevers and draft beers. You can buy these artisan genevers and brandies from their store. They also give guided tours of the distillery and get a glimpse of how these liqueurs are crafted.
Mark Raven captures Amsterdam in all of its glory through his celebrated sketches, drawings, and prints. From hauntingly beautiful windmills to charming canals, Mark Raven's art is stunning and at times whimsical. Stop by to shop for art or pick up a souvenir in the form of t-shirts and posters.