Posts tagged ‘Amsterdam’
Amsterdam Emblem
The three St. Andrew’s crosses in the coat (or emblem) of Amsterdam represent the city’s motto: Heldhaftig (Heroic), Vastberaden (Resolute), Barmhartig (Merciful).
Prinsengracht and Leidsegracht
The corner of Prinsengracht and Leidsegracht inspired the popular song “Aan de Amsterdamse Grachten” (To Canals of Amsterdam), composed by Pieter Goemans and sung by many artists.
Kattengat, Amsterdam
The two houses with the red shutters were built in 1614 by soap maker Laurens Jansz Spiegel. The houses are topped with sculptured mirrors in reference to the family name. Spiegel is Dutch for mirror.
The Canals of Amsterdam
Originally the canals of Amsterdam had several functions:
• they allowed for goods to be delivered from the harbor (and the markets at Dam square and Nieuwmarkt) to storage facilities and stores throughout thecity.
• they were used as defence moats
• they served to guide the water of the Amstel River through its former delta.
Nowadays its most popular use is recreation.
Taking a canal tour is one of Amsterdam’s top tourist attractions.
Swimming in the canals is discouraged — if not outright prohibited. People do fall in, though. Those who live to tell about it are always taken to a hospital for a tetanus shot.
Note that many of the houseboats lining the canals are not yet hooked up to the city’s sewer system.