Torensluis, Amsterdam

Torensluis

The Toren­sluis (Tower Sluice) is an arch bridge from 1649, crossing the Singel at the corner of the Toren­steeg. At 42 meter (138 ft)…
Begijnhof, Amsterdam

Begijnhof

The Begijn­hof (Beguine Court­yard) from the 14th century has two entrances: one on the Spui, the other on the Gedempte Begijnen­sloot (Filled-In…
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…
Raadhuisstraat, Amsterdam

Raadhuisstraat

The Raadhuis­straat, situated between the Nieuwe­zijds Voorburg­wal (filled in 1884) and the Keizers­gracht, was constructed from 1895…
Willet-Holthusyen Museum, front view

Willet-Holthuysen

The Willet-Holthuysen Museum, located at Heren­gracht 605, is a beautiful canal house and museum with period rooms and an impressive formal garden.…
Schapenburgerpad, Amsterdam

Schapenburgerpad

The Schapenburgerpad, at Hobbemastraat 8A, is an old polder path dating from well before 1734, when it was first mentioned in a document. Enclosed between…
The Quaker and the nursery school

The Quaker and the Nursery School

The Beren­straat (Bear's Street) is probably named after the bear skin trade in this area, related to the tanneries which could be found in the adjacent…