One of the city's oldest neighborhoods, the Jordaan traces its roots to the 17th Century as an area built for the working class. The neighborhood has since transformed into an upscale quarter. Today, the Jordaan is a harmonious blend of the old and new, with charming historical courtyards, stellar art galleries, and great dining options. Of particular interest are the markets regularly held at Noordermarkt, Lindengracht and Westerstraat, the Jordaan Museum, and the Westerkerk with its lofty bell tower. Over the years, the neighborhood's diverse makeup has also given rise to a distinctive musical style that is still celebrated through performances at Jordaan's many bars and cafes. Down the streets and along the canals of Jordaan, quaint historic homes and contemporary attractions vie for the attention of passer-byes.
With origins that date back to the 14th Century, Begijnhof is Amsterdam's oldest hofje, or inner courtyard. The Medieval Courtyard was originally laid-out as a Beguinage, or dwelling for the Begijntjes - a Catholic sisterhood of single women. When the practice of the Catholic faith was deemed illegal in the 16th Century, the Beguinage was forced to surrender its chapel. A "hidden church" was built in its stead, concealed behind residential facades. This chapel still exists and is a cherished place of pilgrimage. Most of the other buildings that fringe the Begijnhof were built in the 17th and 18th Centuries, except for the Houten Huys. Constructed in 1528, this medieval timber house is Amsterdam's oldest and offers a glimpse into the city's architectural past. The courtyard also hosts the medieval home of the English Reformed Church and several historic stone plaques. Isolated from the bustle of the historic city center, the Begijnhof remains shrouded in an air of mystery, a rare, hidden gem that has survived the march of time. The entrance to the secluded courtyard is located at Spui.
The Netherlands' most renowned church has been the source of inspiration for many musicians. The famous tower was completed in 1638, its bells manufactured by acclaimed bell-founder François Hemony in 1658. Though the Protestant community owned Westerkerk, the tower was the property of the local authorities and served as a lookout. This marks the site of Rembrandt's burial, as well as the marriage of Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus. For Anne Frank, whose hidden annex is located just a few doors down, the ringing of the clock was a beacon of hope during World War II.
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.
Amsterdam's Royal Palace is the crown jewel of the city's cache of architectural marvels from the Dutch Golden Age. The palace was originally constructed in the 17th Century as the new Town Hall, designed by Jacob van Campen as a symbol of the Netherlands' far-reaching influence and its hefty stake in global commerce at that time. The palace is an embodiment of opulence and lavish taste, generously adorned with marble sculptures, vivid frescoes and sparkling chandeliers that illuminate rooms of palatial proportions. Within, are numerous symbolic representations of the country's impressive economic and civic power in the realm of world politics in the 17th Century, including a larger-than-life statue of Atlas. In 1806, Louis Napoleon, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, was named King Louis I of Holland, transforming the former Town Hall into his Royal Palace. Today, the historic abode is one of the three palaces granted to the Dutch Royal House by an Act of Parliament. The Royal Palace hosts visiting heads of state and serves as a venue for Royal Receptions and other events.
The Nieuwe Kerk is a 15th-century building, partly destroyed and refurbished after several fires. Located in the bustling Dam Square area of the city, this historic church has held a prominent place in the country's political and religious affairs over the centuries. It has been the venue for coronations of kings and queens, and also plays host to an array of exhibitions, concerts and cultural events. Admire its Gothic architecture, splendid steeples, glass-stained windows and ornate detailing.
Part of the four hofjes owned by the Mennonite Church, Wijnbergshofje is a hofje established in 1662 that is tucked away in Barrevoetstraat and consists of 9 houses within its area. Residents of these houses are usually retired people and these houses are also considered Haarlem’s national monument. This place attracts many visitors owing to both the houses and the regent’s room being listed as a monument.
Nestled in at Witte Heren Straat, you can find the Frans Loenen Hofje, a delightful old-style hofje based in Haarlem. This place is named after Frans Loenen and conforms to the typical hofje style where the area consists of a house for pensioners with a garden in the centre. The almhouse here consists of ten rooms for women and the garden area is a lovely green patch laden with gigantic trees and charming small pathways. The entrance of the hofje bears striking artwork and can steal away your attention as you walk by this street.
Janskerk, which is also known as the St. John's Church is an exquisite site in Haarlem that once used to be an exemplary church back in the 15th century but, today functions as North Holland Archives. This structure was established in 1435 by a priest named Hugo Van Assendelft and served as an iconic church until the Protestant Reformation movement. Today, the Gathius doorway and the monastery are the only fragments of this ancient church that are housed here. Drop by at this unique place and explore the remnants of Janskerk!
The history of the Hoge vuurtoren van Ijmuiden can be traced back to the 1800s when it was built. Constructed by the D. A. Schretlen and Company in 1878, this lighthouse marks the Ijgeul. Boasting of a height of 35 meters (114.829 feet), this lighthouse is made of cast iron. This lighthouse has 159 steps and is not open for visitors.
Bibliotheca Thysiana contained the collection of Johannes Thysius, a famous lawyer of the 17th Century. He died early, leaving behind some money for the construction of a library. Thus, the Bibliotheca Thysiana was converted into a public library with over 2500 books and manuscripts pertaining to the sciences. It is a brilliant piece of architecture by Arent van ‘s-Gravensande and is listed among the top heritage sites of the country.
The Rijksmuseum Research Library is the biggest public library located in the Netherlands. Being a part of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the library is specifically devoted to art history research. The library is equipped with a reading room and also a study room. Numerous catalogues related to auctions and exhibitions collected and preserved since 1885. Check the website for more information.