Dam Square is located in the center of Amsterdam and has been the center and heart of the capital of Holland for seven centuries. Here are the most famous buildings in the city, including the Royal Palace and the New Church. Dam Square got its name from the word dam on the site of which it was formed; in Dutch, dam is Dam.
Dam Square stretches 200 meters from west to east and 100 meters from north to south, and is shaped like a rectangle connecting two ancient streets - Damrak and Rokin.
Festivals and celebrations are held on Dam Square and there are always a lot of tourists here.
How to get to Dam Square
Ladies Square is located in the very center of the city. From the Central Station, walk 750 meters - about 10 minutes.
Also from Central station You can get there by tram - almost all routes go past Dam Square.
From the history
In the 13th century, local fishermen built a lock and dam on the Amstel River. Then there was a small village with a dozen houses, and at the beginning of the 14th century there was only an empty space where they sold fish. But gradually the dam expanded, strengthened, and over time a city arose around it, which was named Amsteledamme - Amsterdam, named after the Amstel river and the dam - Dam, built on it.
Especially many changes occurred in Dam Square in the 15th and subsequent centuries. Stock exchanges and the city hall, scaffolds and monuments, residential buildings and offices were built here.
Today, despite the presence of buildings of different eras and styles here, they all coexist peacefully and look harmonious. Among the main buildings are the Royal Palace and the New Church, the De Bijenkorf department store and Madame Tussauds, the National Monument and the ABN AMRO bank, as well as the Grand Hotel Krasnopolsky.
Royal Palace
Royal Palace is a majestic building located in the western part of Dam Square.
The building was built in 1648-1655 by the founder of Dutch classicism, Jacob van Kampen. This is the main structure on Dam Square and many call it the eighth wonder of the world.
Church New Church on Dam Square
The New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) is one of the oldest religious buildings in Amsterdam; it began to be built with money from merchants in 1380 and took 70 years to build. The name Nieuwe Kerk means New Church; it was built instead of the Old one - Oude Kerk, since it was small and could not accommodate all the parishioners. The temple was erected in honor of St. Mary and St. Catherine.
Fires in 1421 and 1452 damaged the temple, and the last one in 1645 practically destroyed it. The church was completely restored in the Gothic style, and then reconstruction was carried out at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries, when neo-Gothic elements appeared in its decoration. The last changes were made in the middle of the 20th century.
The church is National - coronations and weddings of royalty are held there. On April 30, 2013, Willem-Alexander became King of the Netherlands, the first man on the throne since 1890. Divine services are not held in the temple; exhibitions and concerts of organ music are often organized here.
In the Nieuwe Kerk church you can see colored stained glass windows and a beautiful altar, as well as a carved ceiling above it and an ancient organ miraculously preserved in a fire in 1645.
The admiral is buried in the temple navy Holland Michael de Ruyter, who won many naval battles of the Anglo-Dutch War and died off the coast of Sicily in a battle with the French. The Ruyter Monument is surrounded by symbolic figures of Strength, Prudence and Perseverance. The temple also houses commanders Jan van Galen, Jan van Spyck and the famous poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel, who is called the Dutch Shakespeare.
National Monument
On the opposite side of the square, opposite the hotel Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky erected an obelisk 22 meters high in 1956 - this is a National Monument glorifying the heroes who died during the Second World War. Every year on May 4, a solemn ceremony is held here in memory of the victims. The monument is made of cream travertine, and the victims are depicted as naked figures bound in chains, over which the crucified Christ stretches out his arms.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Dam Square is located famous Museum wax figures of Madame Tussauds, built in the 15th century. Its main exhibits are figures of celebrities. You will see not only figures of famous personalities, but also a show telling the history of Amsterdam.
Dame Square will remind you of St. Mark's Square in Venice - there are also many pigeons of various breeds and “living” sculptures.
The beautiful name of the square evokes an association with the fair sex, but this is not an entirely correct assumption. The word "Dam" translated from Dutch means "dam". This name was chosen for a reason: eight centuries ago, a dam was erected on the Amstel River, which served as a connection between the settlements formed along the banks of the river, and over time it began to fulfill a different role - the central city square, where you could get a lot of entertainment.
David Saddler
Dam Square and Heineken Beer Cart
Dam Square is the main venue for cultural events in the city. Demonstrations and colorful fairs are held here, especially in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.
It is located on the Amstel River dam, which was built in the 13th century. The proximity to the river and merchant ships turned the square into a place of trade. At first there was a large fish market here, then, after filling up the mouth of the Amstel River, a stock exchange was opened on the square, and after its closure, the Benkorf department store. In the 20th century, the square became a place for various meetings, including those of national importance.
Dam Square is a rectangle of 20 thousand m2. It can be reached on foot from the central railway station and in 10 minutes. There are many attractions here that attract tourists from all over the world. These include the Royal Palace, located in the western part of the square. This building housed the city hall for two centuries, and later, in 1808, it became the residence of the ruling dynasty and remains so to this day. It was opened for tourists only in the 21st century; the royal family does not officially use it, but from time to time official receptions are organized here, and even weddings of members of the royal family are held.
Not far from the palace is the building of the New Church. Built in the 15th century, it ceased operation in 1979 and now hosts art exhibitions and organ music concerts. In the immediate vicinity of the church there is the famous Tussauds Wax Museum. A National Monument was erected nearby. The stone stella was erected in 1956 in memory of the victims of World War II. Every year, ceremonies are held here - Days of Remembrance of the Dead.
On the square there is one of the most famous hotels in the city - Krasnopolsky, on its territory there is a winter garden and a miniature distillery. There you can sample local drinks and relax in the garden. Near the hotel there is a department store called De Bijenkorf, prestigious and expensive.
The decision to settle in this place will be an excellent choice for people who love noisy pastimes and are not strapped for cash.
Actually, Dam Square can be considered the main historical attraction of the city - after all, it became the center around which the capital of Holland was formed as an administrative unit. Even the name of the city consists of two words: “Amstel” - the name of the river on which there were fishing settlements, and “dam” - a dam. It is on it, powerfully fortified and protecting Amsterdam from flooding, that Dam is located.
From the 13th century in this small area - only 100 by 200 m - holidays were organized, the most important issues were resolved, trade and political discussions were conducted, representatives to parliament from the parties and movements of the city were elected.
For a significant part of its history, the Dam was a place of lively trade and a financial center, in which the fish market played a significant role: the location of the dam was very convenient for mooring and unloading boats from all over the region. The city's Chamber of Weights (supervisory body) and the stock exchange, in whose building today there is a store, were also located.
The Dam has become more than an iconic landmark: it is the real heart of Amsterdam, whose authorities carefully preserve its rich historical and social heritage.
Of course, we didn’t forget about tourists. The square has become a well-organized cultural area where you can get acquainted with its main attractions - the Royal Palace, the New Church and the National Monument to the Victims of the Second World War.
Architectural features
Dam Square is an almost classic rectangle of 100 by 200 m adjacent to the Coin Tower, bringing together the central streets of the city Damrak and Rokin. Despite its very modest size (the Netherlands is generally a small country), there are several interesting attractions located here.
The ensemble of the square combines both classical Gothic (the building of the old stock exchange, now a store) and the neoclassical style, to which the royal palace belongs.
But of course, main feature area is the fact that it is located directly on the dam. However, you won’t notice this - the fact is that back in the 19th century. The water-filled lagoons were finally covered with soil.
Must see
It fell to us to preserve the history of Amsterdam from the very days of its foundation architectural ensemble located along the perimeter of the square. There are many attractions here, each of which is worth spending at least a little time on.
Koninklijk Paleis, as the Amsterdammers themselves call it, is a typical example of Roman classicism: majestic and beautiful, it was built from the 17th to the 19th centuries. was the place of work of the city mayor's office. Today it is one of the three residences of the Dutch monarch owned by him.
The specifics of building construction in Amsterdam are similar to those in Venice: they are placed on piles driven into the bottom. More than 13 thousand were needed for the royal palace.
The standard of the new Gothic with its spiers soaring up is also located here. This is the New Church (or Nieuwekerk): built in the 15th century, it was repeatedly rebuilt and reconstructed after fires. The last renovation took place in the 80s of the last century - especially for the coronation ceremony of Queen Beatrix.
Today the church is open to everyone: exhibitions and organ music concerts are regularly held here.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
The main museum is located in London, and its branch is located on Dam Square. However, this did not affect the content of the exhibitions. Of course, all exhibits accurately recreate celebrities, and visitors not only have the opportunity to take pictures with stars and world politicians, but also make a cast of their own hand.
National Monument to the Fallen of World War II
A huge white stele with a fragment of the wall in the background of the monument (Nationaal Monument op de Dam) is located under open air, directly on the square itself. Here, every year, tribute is paid to all the Dutch who died during the greatest war in human history.
The majestic obelisk made of white travertine is complemented by bas-reliefs and a sculptural group: flying doves symbolize liberation and the beginning of a new life.
Dam Square is one of the most important and famous places Amsterdam, which hosts numerous cultural events. It has a vague rectangular shape, extending about 100 meters from north to south and about 200 meters from west to east. The square connects Rokin and Damrak streets, which run along the Amstel River bed - from the railway station to Monetnaya Square. Northeast of Dam Square is the Red Light District. In its western part is the neoclassical Royal Palace, which served as the city hall from 1655 to 1808, and then was converted into a royal residence.
One of the main attractions of the square is the National Monument - a memorial in memory of the people who died during the Second World War. Every year on May 4, a national ceremony is held at this monument to commemorate the victims of conflicts. The author of this unique monument is Jacobus Oud, a great Dutch architect. The central element of the structure is a conical concrete column with a height of 22 meters. On its front side there is a bas-relief of De Vrede, consisting of four chained male figures that symbolize the suffering of prisoners of war.
Coordinates: 52.37300900,4.89299200
Spey Square
The Spey is a square in the center of Amsterdam.
Initially, this was the name of the river that washed Amsterdam from the south and formed the southern border of the city until 1425.
In 1882 the Spey was filled in and turned into the square we now know. The square underwent reconstruction in 1996 and is now practically free of vehicles.
Spey is a true paradise for book lovers, with a weekly book market on Fridays and many bookstores, including the academic Athenaeum Bookstore, a children's bookstore and two English-language literature stores.
Every Sunday an art market is organized here.
There is a statue of Liverdier on the Spey.
Coordinates: 52.36878700,4.89010600
Museum Square
Museum Square is one of the largest and most famous squares in Amsterdam, getting its name due to the fact that it is here that four famous museums are located: Rijksmusem (Netherlands State Art Museum), Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum (Amsterdam City Museum) and the Diamond Museum.
Museum Square was founded at the end of the 19th century on the site where the first International Colonial Exhibition took place in 1883. Those who like to walk among museum exhibits, listen to fascinating stories from tour guides, and immerse themselves in the history of the city’s development, its life and culture, feel great here. Various public events are also held on the square: festivals, holidays, demonstrations, etc.
In 1999, a large-scale reconstruction of the square was carried out. The author of the new project is Swedish landscape architect Sven-Ingvar Anderson. As a result of the transformations, underground parking and a supermarket appeared on the square, and the pond located here turns into an artificial skating rink in winter.
Coordinates: 52.35795700,4.88237600
Rembrandt Square
One of the central squares of Amsterdam is called Rembrandtplein and is dedicated to the work of Rembrandt van Rijn himself. In the center of the square, on a large lawn, there is a monument to the artist, and at its foot, on fine days, local residents and guests of the city arrange entire picnics and sunbathe.
Rembrandt Square became famous as one of the attractions when, in 2008, for the 400th anniversary of the artist, a sculptural composition of 22 bronze figures depicting characters from the painting “Night Watch” was installed. This gift was given to the city by two Russian sculptures and artists, Mikhail Dronov and Alexander Taratynov. A year later, the composition was sent to New York, and a year later it was already in the courtyard of the Museum fine arts them. A.S. Pushkin will continue to be exhibited in several more cities around the world.
Rembrandtplein is located in the liveliest part of Amsterdam, with many cozy cafes and shops nearby. At night, many clubs, discos and bars are open here, so life does not subside until the morning.
Coordinates: 52.36611100,4.89666700
Leidseplein area
Leidseplein, located at the southern border of the Grand Canals, is the center of the tourist hotspot, where visitors wander in crowds and seething night life. Leidseplein is also quite lively during the day, with street performers and musicians performing there. On the square itself and the streets adjacent to it there are many bars, restaurants, street cafes, theaters, and dance clubs.
In general, Leidseplein is a noisy and dusty place, although it is called the most picturesque square in the city. Amsterdam residents themselves try to avoid it. Therefore, the number of tourists here always exceeds the number local residents. And most of the signs and signs here are made in English language- to make it easier for foreigners to navigate the variety of bars and restaurants.
Coordinates: 52.36441700,4.88274100
Dam Square
The central square of Amsterdam, where the famous buildings and numerous events are held. One of the most famous and important places in the city.
The area has the shape of a rectangle, extending approximately 200 meters from west to east and 100 meters from north to south. It connects the Damrak and Rokin streets, running along the direction of the Amstel River from the Central station to the Müntplein square and the Münttoren tower.
Here are such famous city attractions as the Royal Palace, the Nivier Kirk, Madame Tussauds, and the national monument (white stone pillar), erected in 1956 in memory of the victims of World War II. Also located on the square are the Grand Hotel Krasnapolski and the prestigious department store De Bijenkorf.
Dam Square has several stops for the tram lines that pass through it. At the end of the 19th century (when the horse tram still existed), Dam Square was the main center of Amsterdam's tram service. After 1900 this function was taken over by Stationsplein.
In the 19th and 20th centuries main square Amsterdam has become a “national” square, known to almost all residents of the Netherlands. Demonstrations and various public events, including many rallies, were often held here.
Coordinates: 52.37275300,4.89230600
Spey Square
Speuy Square is one of the central squares of the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. Its shape is quite asymmetrical, since until the end of the 19th century there was a reservoir here that bounded the city in the south.
Spey Square was formed in 1882. With the construction of the new canal, now located in the outer ditch around Amsterdam, the need for a spillway in the south of the city disappeared, and the reservoir was filled in, forming a square in its place. In 1996, Speuy Square was turned into a pedestrian zone, and since then, every Friday a book fair and meeting of book lovers from all over Amsterdam have been organized here. At this fair you can often meet antiques dealers. And on Sundays, city artists put up their paintings for sale here.
The square contains many architectural monuments of the city. It is worth noting the ancient Lutheran Church of the 17th century, the House of the Maidens - a former orphanage for girls, and now the University of Amsterdam built in 1780, the Helios house in the art nouveau style of the late 19th century. In the center of the square there is a statue of a teenage boy nicknamed “Cutie” - this is the spirit of the square, symbolizing the resilient people of Amsterdam. There is a beer restaurant on the square where you can taste delicious local beer, as well as imported varieties from other countries.
Coordinates: 52.36861100,4.88944400
Sights of Amsterdam
In the very heart of Amsterdam there is a square with a name that is intriguing to any Russian tourist - Dam Square. However, she has absolutely nothing to do with graceful female creatures. "Dam" in Dutch is "dam". And it is no coincidence that the square (and the whole city too) retained the memory of this structure - 8 centuries ago here, on the Amstel River, a dam was actually built, which initially became a communication point for the settlements that arose along the banks of the river, and over time grew and turned into the central city square.
But its historical and tourist value does not end there. Here is a “quintet” of metropolitan Dutch attractions:
Attractions on Dam Square
Royal Palace
It is located in the western part of Dam Square. This is one of three Dutch palaces at the disposal of the monarch. The building itself was originally used as the city hall, in the 19th century it belonged to the Oransky royal house, in the 20s it was bought by the state, and finally, at the beginning of the 21st century, after significant reconstruction, the palace was opened to tourists. And although the royal family does not use it, official receptions and even royal weddings are held here.
Madame Tussauds museum
How to get to Dam Square?
The ladies are easy to find. Many streets and alleys flock to this square. The easiest way to get there is from Amsterdam Central Railway Station: just walk about 10 minutes straight from its main entrance. It is also possible to public transport drive to the stop called “Dam” if you are too lazy to go. But in a city that you can walk through in half an hour, this is probably strange.
Is it worth living near Dam Square?
The decision to settle in the very center may not be a very pleasant event - after all, it is quite noisy here. But if you like funny travel companies and souvenir shops, the hotels located here will help you stay with the necessary amenities. Swissotel Amsterdam Hotel will cost approximately 190-200 euros per night and more, NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky - 170 euros, Best Western Dam SquareInn - 150 per night, and the cheapest option will be to stay in the Dam Square Experience Apartment - you will need to pay for a night here average 120 euros.
Where to eat on Dam Square?
There are also several good cafes nearby: Steak house on Damstraat 38 (its visit costs an average of 13-15 euros), Green woods on Singel 103 (11-13 euros), and Cafe Zwart on Dam 15 or Restaurant De Roode Leeuw at Damrak 93-94 your average bill can be 35-45 euros.
Have a nice trip!
