Amsterdam

jescapes on 10 11, 2008

The city of Amsterdam is very much alive with a rich history. It can undoubtedly be considered as one of the most important and complete historical city centers in the world. It can also be considered to be the nicest and most cultural centre on the planet. Arts and sciences are very highly regarded here.

The attitude of live and let live is very important in Amsterdam. A great number of languages are spoken in this multi-cultural society. It is a very sociable place with as nearly 1,300 cafes.

The city centre contains around 20,000 buildings, 1/3 of which were built before 1850. The government and the municipality have listed 6,700 of these with a preservation order. Another 160 buildings are considered as of great aesthetic importance to Amsterdam.

A lovely variety of gables can be seen along the canals. The merchant’s houses, coach-houses and warehouses are rather narrow and deep and have distinguishing gables. Amsterdam is actually built up of over 90 islands that are separated from each other by around 100 kilometers of canal.

The ‘islands’ are connected by about 400 stone bridges.

Amsterdam has always moved with the times even architecturally. The architectural harmony of Amsterdam’s canals are very clear if viewed from the sky. The network comes together with connecting canals, picturesque streets and little alleys and resembles the spokes on a wheel.

Near the station other means of transportation are visible. The bicycle parking area is representative of a cycling city.

It is said that public execution took place on the square in front of the Weigh House  (building on left). Now it is used as a multifunctional building.

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