Exploring the Rich History of Amsterdam, Netherlands
It is not only known for its beautiful canals and artistic heritage, but, indeed, Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands with a very rich historical significance. The city has plenty of its well preserved historical buildings and monuments that will give the city a share of its illustrious past. Here in this article, we will visit the must visit historical places of Amsterdam.
The Royal Palace Amsterdam
This iconic structure was once the city hall of Amsterdam and so it is also known as Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam. The Royal Palace in the Hague was built in the 17th century of the Dutch Golden Age, has great architecture, and guided tours to its magnificent interiors. The grandeur of the Council Chamber, and the multitude of works of art that are displayed all around the palace are merit for you to just marvel at.
The Anne Frank House
Visiting the Anne Frank House is something no visitor to Amsterdam can skip out on. During World War II, this historic house was where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis. Today the museum that preserves it offers a moving and insightful insight into the life of Anne Frank and the sufferings of the Jews during the war. Visit the secret annex where the Frank family lived and where they lived out their extraordinary story.
The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is a rich repository of treasures relating to Dutch art and history. An exceptional collection of masters including Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh are housed in this wonderful to world renowned museum. The museum has other paintings, sculptures, historical artifacts as well as a large library. Enjoy that and that there’s plenty of time to spend there exploring a number of facets of Dutch history and culture that are on display here.
The Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum, though, is a must of for art enthusiasts. This museum is dedicated to the work of Vincent van Gogh with the largest collection of paintings and drawings of his in the world. Visitors can learn all about Van Gogh’s struggles and his life, and appreciate his evolution from his famous self portraits to breathtaking landscapes. The audio tour has some fascinating revelations about the artist’s mind.
The Rembrandt House Museum
Head back in time and go and have a look around the former house and workshop of Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. Enjoy a peek into the artist’s living quarters and learn more about the life and work of the great Rembrandt in this museum of Rembrandt’s House. This is accompanied by a vast print and etching collection and by a demonstration of ’17th century’ etching techniques with a recreated 17th century ambiance.
The Nieuwe Kerk
One of Amsterdam’s most important religious building is the Nieuwe Kerk, or New Church. Though it is named for the 15th century church, there is nothing Early about it – stunning Gothick architecture characterizes the building. In the course of the year there are various exhibitions and cultural events in the Nieuwe Kerk, and the interior of this majestic church is certainly worth visiting. Take the feet to the top of the church tower for awesome views from the city.
The Westerkerk
The Westerkerk is located beside the Anne Frank House, and is Amsterdam’s largest Protestant church. An emblematic symbol of the city is its striking bell tower, the Westertoren. Visit and discover the church’s history along with its relationship to important figures like Rembrandt. Go to the top of the tower and look over Amsterdam’s beautiful canal belt.
The Portuguese Synagogue
The Portuguese Synagogue dates back to the 17th century and celebrates a story of the city’s Jewish heritage. It is the synagogue, a magnificent structure, which was built in such striking architecture and preserved inside. Explore the surrounding complex of the Ets Haim Library, the oldest functioning Jewish library in the world and learn of its history in a guided tour around the city.
The Begijnhof
Away from the noisy city, you can give yourself a well-deserved trance at Begijnhof, a beguinage courtyard dating from the 14th century. It consists of historic houses, a church and a beautiful garden. Visit the Begijnhof Chapel and learn about the beguines – unmarried religious women who lived in the chapel. This is the perfect place to find peace in the midst of Amsterdam’s busy streets.
Conclusion
Historical places in Amsterdam give a glance to the terrific history the city had. Each site is wonderfully fit to tell a unique story from stunning palaces to museums, churches, hidden courtyards. If you want to get to know Amsterdam culture and its historical heritage, just immerse your self into these historical places. Guaranteed, if you’re taking a trip to Amsterdam, you ought to drop by these must see historical places when you go there.
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