American Hotel, Leidseplein, Amsterdam

American Hotel

In the 19th century the Netherlands was one of the largest investors in the United States, second only to England. The first American Hotel (1882-1900)…
Helios building, Spui, Amsterdam

Helios Building

The Helios building at Spui 15-19, designed by architect Gerrit van Arkel in Art Nouveau style, was built for portrait photographer Max Bütting­hausen…
Leidesplein, Amsterdam

Leidseplein

Most people know the Leidse­plein and the adjacent area only as a spot for pubs, restaurants, theaters and night­life, but it has an inter­esting…
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Amsterdam

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal

The Nieuwe­zijds Voorburg­wal is a former canal (filled in in 1884) which runs from Spui to Martelaars­gracht, more or less in a north-south…
Spui, Amsterdam

Spui

The current Spui square was originally a body of water until it was filled in around 1882. Many interesting buildings can be seen there and it also has…
Amsterdam seal with cog on a gable stone on the Mint tower

Koggeschip

The early versions of the Amsterdam seal show a cog, on board a merchant with banner, a military man and a dog — representing trade, defense and…