Dam Square, Amsterdam: photos, review, how to get there. Dame Square in Amsterdam Central Square of Amsterdam where the Royal Palace is located
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 - from 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 – real paradise for book lovers, there is a weekly book market here on Fridays, there are also many bookstores, including the academic Athenaeum Bookstore, a children's book store 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 the fascinating stories of the guides, immerse yourself in the history of the development of the city, its life and culture, you feel great here. The square also hosts various public events: 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 southern border The Grand Canals is the center of the tourist hotspot, where tourists roam in crowds and the 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 cities. 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
central square Amsterdam, home to famous buildings and numerous events. One of the most famous and important places in the city.
The square 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 and the Münttoren tower.
Here are such famous city attractions as the Royal Palace, the Nivier Kirk, Madame Tussauds, 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, Amsterdam's main square became 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, up to late XIX century there was a reservoir here, bordering 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
Dam Square (Amsterdam, Netherlands) - description, history, location, reviews, photos and videos.
- Tours for May to the Netherlands
- Last minute tours Worldwide
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From school, everyone knows perfectly well that the Netherlands is a country located below sea level. Which, due to some amazing circumstances, not only did not get bogged down in the abyss, but, on the contrary, feels quite great. So the main square of probably one of the most cheerful old towns in Europe is inextricably linked with water element- after all, this is nothing more than an overgrown dam. It’s very hard to believe, looking at the majestic gothic cathedral, neoclassical palace and other architectural delights of Dam Square, but that’s exactly it. The history of the square is interesting and surprising, as is everything connected with the history of the Dutch land, which is literally and figuratively unsinkable.
The word “dam” translated into Russian means “dam”.
An impressive dam appeared in this place on the Amstel River at the end of 1270 and connected settlements located on opposite banks. Year after year, the dam was strengthened, and eventually turned into a fairly spacious square, which became the heart of Amsterdam. As trading and fishing vessels moored here, the Dam became the commercial center of the city, and the fame of the famous fish market spread far beyond the borders of the lower lands.
Time passed, and the appearance of the main square changed. Thus, during the Napoleonic Wars, the local Chamber of Weights and Measures was demolished, as it prevented Louis Bonaparte, who had settled in the Royal Palace, from enjoying the panorama of the city. In the 20th century, the building of the Old Socher Exchange was demolished, and in its place today is the department store De Bijenkorf.
Dam Square
Dam Square, as befits the center of an ancient European city, is rich in attractions. Many of them were associated with a variety of historical events. For example, one of the main architectural dominants of the square - the Gothic Nieuwekerk Church - was built at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. Within its ancient walls many famous Dutchmen rest and representatives of royal families are crowned to power.
In the western part of the square is the Royal Palace, made in neoclassical style, next to it is the 15th century Nieuwekerk Church and the Museum wax figures Madame Tussauds.
The former town hall, which later became the Royal Palace, also attracts attention. Its age is slightly less, which, however, does not in any way detract from its architectural merits. The building was built in the 17th century and served as the center of the city administration, and in 1808 a new tenant arrived here - Louis Bonaparte. There is also a completely modern monument here - the National Monument, erected in the 50s. last century in memory of the victims of the Second World War.
Practical information
Address: Amsterdam, Dam Square. The nearest stop is called Dam.
The beautiful name of the square evokes an association with the fair sex, but this is not an entirely correct assumption. The word "Dam" means "dam" in Dutch. 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 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.
There is a building not far from the palace 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.
Dam Square, located in the very center of the city, takes its name from the well-known dam. This dam served as the basis for the construction of Amsterdam in the 13th century. With each decade it grew and became stronger, eventually becoming the largest and most populous square in the Dutch capital. At the very beginning there were two small sites, which eventually merged into one. Today it is perhaps the main tourist and political center cities.
What is Dam Square?
The square has impressive dimensions - 200 meters long, 100 meters wide. Here, two main streets located along the river bank - Rokin and Damrak - connect. And it is from here that the world-famous Red Light District begins. Main square Both before and now it is considered the main place for holding various holidays and concerts. But even on ordinary days it is full of tourists from all over the world. It’s not surprising - there’s a lot to see here.
In the western part you can see the magnificent Royal Palace, which belongs to the current queen of the state. Initially, this building was the city hall, but then passed on to the family of monarchs. Access to the palace is open to guests; anyone can see the real royal chambers. Not far from the palace stands the New Church, which, despite its name, was built in the 15th century. It was erected due to the fact that the previous church could no longer accommodate all the parishioners. Today the New Church is not functioning because there is no finance to put it in order. But it sometimes hosts art exhibitions and music concerts.
Attractions of Dam Square
The world-famous wax museum, founded by Madame Tussauds, is also located here. This is not the main museum, but its branch, but the very first of all existing ones. Here you can admire the figures of famous scientists, politicians, athletes, and singers. The museum is very popular among tourists. You can not only look at the figures, but also take a photo with them.
In the middle of the square stands the majestic National Monument, rightly considered the most important monument in the Netherlands. It was erected in memory of those killed in World War II. Every year at the beginning of May, Remembrance Day is celebrated here with a touching ceremony.
On Dam Square there is a legendary 5-star Dutch hotel, famous throughout the world - Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. His rich story has been going on since 1866. The hotel has almost five hundred prestigious rooms for elite or simply wealthy guests, and also provides a lot of entertainment.
How to get there?
You have to try hard not to find Dam Square, because, as already mentioned, the main city roads lead to it. From central station you just need to walk along Damrak Boulevard, full of souvenir shops and other small shops, and now you are already on the famous square. Most travelers get there this way.
Tel. +31 14 020
Historical information
The square is located on a dam built on the Amstel River in the 13th century, which is why the attraction received its name. This structure provided transport links between settlements on different banks. The dam was constantly being completed, and the city gradually blossomed around it.
Over time, the square turned into a commercial center settlement. In the place where goods brought on ships were unloaded, a large fish market opened. In the 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered its liquidation. At the same time, the mouth of the Amstel River was filled in, as a result of which Dam Square was cut off from the water. In 1837, a stock exchange was organized here, which functioned until the beginning of the last century. A luxury department store, Benkorf, opened in its place. At the dawn of the 20th century, Dam Square gained fame among the entire population of the Netherlands. Mass meetings of national importance began to be organized here.
Popular attractions
Facade of the New Church buildingThe Royal Palace was built on the western side of the square - Historical building in neoclassical style. From the 17th to the 19th centuries there was a town hall here, then the residence of the ruling dynasty began to be located here. On this moment The palace was placed at the disposal of King Willem-Alexander. In 2009, the building was reconstructed. Now every tourist has the opportunity to explore the palace during the departure of the royal family.
Royal Palace on Dam SquareNear the king's residence is the Gothic building of the New Church, erected in the 15th century. The structure was built as an alternative Old Church, which could not accommodate all the parishioners. Since 1979, no services have been held here, but exhibitions of various artists and organ concerts have been held.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is also located nearby. Its visitors have the opportunity to get acquainted with Dutch political and cultural life– there are copies of many here famous people states and show business stars.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in AmsterdamOpposite is the National Monument, designed by architect Jacobus Oud in 1956 in memory of Dutch soldiers during World War II. It is the site of an annual ceremony - Remembrance Day - dedicated to the people of the country who fell victims of hostilities. It is worth noting that Dam Square itself became the site of a wartime tragedy. On May 7, 1945, after the surrender of Germany, the city center was filled with joyful residents preparing to greet the liberators. The fun of those present was interrupted by machine gun fire. The Germans established weapon on the balcony of one of the buildings and began to mercilessly destroy civilians. According to sources, 22 people were killed and 120 were seriously injured.
National Monument at Dam SquareNew Year's tree on Dam Square
Tourist information
The walk from Amsterdam Central Station to Dam Square takes no more than 10 minutes. Most excursion sightseeing programs around the city start from here. Their cost varies from 30 to 70 euros depending on the number of sites visited. The Krasnapolsky Hotel is located here - you can stay there during your stay in the Netherlands. In order to economize cash, experienced tourists recommend choosing hotels remote from the center. Dam Square has a large number of cozy cafes where you can relax after a long excursion. In a variety of shops you can buy interesting souvenirs for family and friends. Ideal place For avid shopaholics there will be a Benkorf department store.