Amsterdam
When you think about
Netherlands, the first name that comes into mind is Amsterdam. This is Netherlands’
official capital and the largest city in the country.
It was first recorded with its actual name by count Floris V
in a document dating 27 October 1275 and received city rights in the early 14th
century most probably from the bishop of Utrecht, Guy de Avesnes. The 17th
century is considered to be Amsterdam’s “Golden Age”, the time when the city
became one of the richest cities in the world. After a period of decline during
Holland’s Napoleonic occupation, the 19th century takes Amsterdam in
a new era of development.
Everything about
Netherlands is related to trade due to the fact that it has important sea
ports. That makes Amsterdam a multicultural city due to the fact that people
from all over the world visited it in their business travels. Its inhabitants’
tolerant attitude and early religion freedom was sought by immigrants. The
cultural life flourished and its main attractions were the festivals. By the
late 16th century the Chamber of Rhetoric was organizing lectures of
poetry and drama. The first theatre was built in 1638 and starting 1642 it
housed ballet performances. 1677 is the year in which the opera made its
first appearance in Amsterdam through French and Italian representations and
starting the 18th century German opera and music started to
influence Amsterdam’s culture. . During
the 19th century the Nes area in Amsterdam was the cultural center revolved
mainly around vaudeville and music-hall. One of the most important advances in
classical music was made here by the invention of the metronome in 1812 by
Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel. The end of the century brought an expansion of
cultural life; new buildings were built such as the Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk
Museum. The Hollandese Opera of Amsterdam was built in 1888 with the sole
purpose to promote Dutch opera. This year also saw the establishment of The
Concert Hall. The 20th century brought the technological
developments into people’s lives through the radio, cinema and television.
Amsterdam history teaches you a lot about Netherland. But if you want to go deeper you have to
experience the restaurants in Amsterdam.
The Dutch cuisine may not impress you on a first glimpse but you have to
scratch beneath the surface. You will find that the restaurants in Amsterdam are easy
to book and offer some of the best value for money culinary experience. One
of the most famous local specialties is the Dutch pancakes. A simple and cheap
delight found in the smallest restaurants. When talking about Netherlands’ food
you cannot avoid the apple pie, appeltaart.
Amsterdam’s local attractions satisfy every tourist’s tastes
from cultural sites, relaxing sightseeing to night life. It is a city filled with history. Roads and
bridges, castle walls, gardens and fountains, houses and public markets give
the city its individuality. Everyone who visits it must take a boat ride
through the channels. Their complexity and number made Amsterdam “The Northern
Venice”. Another local attraction is the Jordan neighborhood known as one of
the poorest area of Amsterdam in the 17th century. Its reputation
has changed since then and is now famous for its narrow streets, picturesque
channels, coffee shops, art galleries and souvenir shops. If you are looking for a piece of history,
you cannot miss the Oude Kerk. It is the oldest building in Amsterdam situated
in the old medieval center. The building of the church started in the 13th
century and it was destined for a fisherman community. Its gothic architectural
style suffered numerous modifications; the only original elements are the tower
and the chapel. One of the places you have to visit while in Amsterdam is the
Albert Cuypmarkt market. It is Holland’s best known and busiest open market.
Here you can find over 300 stands with products varying from fresh fruits and
vegetables to clothes and souvenirs.
But one of the most
popular Amsterdam’s local attractions is the red light district. This is a
designated area for legalised prostitution. Here you can find sex services
provided to you by sex workers displayed behind windows and glass doors
illuminated with red lights. The red light district is made up of a network of
alleys and roads containing hundreds of small one room apartments in which the
tourist can satisfy his pleasures. This is considered to be a safe area and
from confidentiality reasons photography is strictly forbidden. The red light
district gives Amsterdam a chick and unique perspective on city life.
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