La chiesa più conosciuta dell'Olanda è stata la fonte di ispirazione di molti musicisti. La famosa torre venne completata nel 1638, la sua campana creata dalla famosa fonderia di François Hemony nel 1658. Nonostante la comunità protestante possedesse Westerkerk, la torre era proprietà delle autorità locali e funzionava da posto di guardia. Indica il luogo dove è seppellito Rembrandt ma anche il matrimonio della Regina Beatrice e del Principe Claus. Per Anne Frank lo scoccare dell' orologio era un segnale di speranza durante la Seconda guerra mondiale.
A metà del XVII secolo il pittore Jacob van Campen ricevette l'incarico di disegnare il nuovo municipio. Il consiglio cittadino voleva un importante simbolo adatto al ruolo di leader svolto in Europa in quel periodo, l'età dell'oro dell'Olanda, che simboleggiasse anche il potere economico e civile. L'edificio avrebbe dovuto renderlo chiaro a tutti. Il Koninklijk Paleis divenne il più grande d'Europa. Nel 1808 il palazzo venne trasformato nel Palazzo Reale dal fratello di Napoleone Bonaparte, Louis, re della regione durante l'occupazione francese. Ai giorni nostri, è ancora la residenza reale. La famiglia reale olandese, Orange-Nassau, riceve i reali e gli alti dignitari qui. Inoltre il nuovo re o regina si presenta per la prima volta al popolo olandese dal balcone di questo palazzo.
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.
Brouwerij is not really your ordinary pub and brewery. Only house-brewed beers are tapped here or sold in bottles. The furniture consists of bare wooden seats and tables next to a simple bar in this former municipal bathhouse. On the large terrace you will find people scattered out, sitting on the ground as well as the tables and chairs. Tours are available as well.
Located in the Plancius Building is the Dutch Resistance Museum or the Verzetsmuseum. Featuring photographs, artifacts, and digital multimedia, the Verzetsmuseum is like a window to the past, from May 1940 to May 1945 (World War II) when the Nazis occupied the Netherlands. The permanent exhibition tells the story of the period of German occupation through the use of everyday objects, every one of which, like the box of potatoes that speaks volumes about the food shortages, has its own tale to tell.
Het Grachtenhuis is situated on the grandest of canals, and is a museum displaying vast information relating to the canal system in Amsterdam. You can discover why and how they were created in the 17th Century through current times. There is also an interactive exhibition which will take you on a 40-minute journey through their 400 years of history. You may order tickets online for your preferred time slot, which may be more convenient during the busy, peak times.
Developed by the universities of Amsterdam, this Park has became an important place for development, innovation, entrepreneurship and education. Besides the IT related offices, departments of the universities, there are also different types of festivals held here. Apart from the many institutes, several residences and student units have been made available at the Science Park. One could also visit the cafe or even the sports centre when on a break. The Park provides it all!
From its transformation of a silo to a rental building by the bay. On this site in the 19th Century, architect Jacob Klinkhamer built two-grain silos that were functional until the mid 20th Century. At the turn of the century the silos were demolished and MVRDV, an architect firm put down a residential and commercial project on this establishment. The attractive colorful building in recent times now offers office space as well as rental apartments. They also provide tours that have an entry fee.
If Wijnand Fockinck were to be here today, he would be proud to know that the distillery he started in 1679 in the bustling neighborhood of Pijlsteeg, has stayed true to its roots. Having steered clear of an image overhaul or faced the pressures of modernization, this establishment maintains a tasting room and a distillery where guests can admire antique bottles, as well as sample at the liquor and jenevers being prepared. Take a guided tour of this place to learn more about its history and that of Dutch distilled products.
The home of Russian Czar Peter I, Czar Peter House is one of the oldest buildings in Zaandam and is located in the heart of the city. Made using ship wood, it is a fine example of Dutch timber. Originally, the house belonged to a laborer. The Czar paid a visit to his home and stayed here for a week, making it a local landmark. Later, a stone roof and foundation was built to protect the monument. Today, both the building and the roof are listed separately as heritage structures.
IJmuider Zee- en Havenmuseum is the museum dedicated to the culture and promotion of shipping and fishing activities in the North Sea Canal and IJmuiden. It was a old school building for fishery which was closed due to decreasing number of students. To preserve the location, the museum was opened to conserve its cultural heritage of fishing and shipping. The museum space can also be used for any other art exhibitions or events.
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.