Canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, has more than one hundred kilometres of canals, about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. The three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Jordaan, were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, contributing to Amsterdam's fame as the Venice of the North.
Much of the Amsterdam canal system is the successful outcome of city planning. In the early part of the 17th century, with immigration rising, a comprehensive plan was put together, calling for four main, concentric half-circles of canals with their ends resting on the IJ Bay. Known as the grachtengordel, three of the canals are mostly for residential development (Herengracht or ‘’Patricians' Canal’’; Keizersgracht or ‘’Emperor's Canal’’; and Prinsengracht or ‘’Prince's Canal’’), and a fourth, outer canal, Singelgracht, for purposes of defense and water management. The plan also envisaged interconnecting canals along radii; a set of parallel canals in the Jordaan quarter (primarily for the transportation of goods, for example, beer); the conversion of an existing, inner perimeter canal (Singel) from a defensive purpose to residential and commercial development; and more than one hundred bridges. The defensive purpose of the Nassau/Stadhouderskade was served by moat and earthen dikes, with gates at transit points but otherwise no masonry superstructures.
Construction proceeded from west to east, across the breadth of the layout, like a gigantic windshield wiper as the historian Geert Mak calls it – not from the center outwards as a popular myth has it. Construction of the north-western sector was started in 1613 and was finished around 1625. After 1664, building in the southern sector was started, although slowly because of an economic depression. The eastern part of the concentric canal plan, covering the area between the Amstel river and the IJ Bay, was not implemented for a long time. In the following centuries, the land went mostly for park, the Botanical garden, old age homes, theaters and other public facilities – and for waterways without much plan. Several parts of the city and of the urban area are polders, recognisable by their postfix -meer meaning 'lake', such as Aalsmeer, Bijlmermeer, Haarlemmermeer, and Watergraafsmeer. The canals in Amsterdam are now used as a main form of transportation around the city.
Since the construction of the canals, there have been plans to connect the north of Amsterdam (Amsterdam-Noord) to the city center. In 1999, a plan was made to complete the existing canal circle in the North. Plans to gentrify this area are still under development, but the plan to complete the canals in the north has not yet been incorporated.
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Amsterdam Canal Cruise | City tours in Amsterdam | Capital of the Netherlands
The Amsterdam canal system is the result of conscious city planning.
In the early 17th century, when immigration was at a peak, a plan was developed that was based on four concentric half-circles of canals known as the Grachtengordel - three of the canals were mostly for residential development: the Herengracht (Canal of the lords), Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal), and Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal).
The fourth and outermost canal is the Singelgracht,- a collective name for all canals in the outer ring.
View the decorated and colourful houseboats, the narrow houses along the canals and the bridges.
More my travels video click on :
Motivational Series :
Comedy Series :
#Amsterdam #Canal #Cruise #Cruisecanal #Citytoureinamsterdam #Capitalofnetherlands #Netherlands
Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise Tour Part 4 (Keizersgracht, Hoisting Beam, Brewer's Canal)
Here you see more interesting house boats, , the Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal) which is the widest of the 3 main canals of the city, the Brewer's Canal, You also get a brief history of the hoisting beam looking some traditional Amsterdam building architecture. Then it was back to the starting point to end the cruise.
See the entire tour via this playlist:
Amsterdam, Impressions - Netherlands HD Travel Channel
Starting from Kaashuis in the pedestrian zone Nieuwendijk in Amsterdam, Netherlands, we collected new impressions in this beautiful city on the day before the Queen's Day.
The cityscape of Amsterdam is dominated by the many canals. Since 2010, the Grachtenring (Canal Ring) is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We cross the Singel, the Herengracht (Patricians' Canal or Lord's Canal) and Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal), and come to the Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal) where the Anne Frank Huis is located. We pass the Blauwburggracht and Bloemgracht, considered as one of the most beautiful Grachts (city-canal), in the Jordaan district.
We admire the marvelous facades in the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, one of the first canals which was converted to a street and thus provoking intense public protests.
From Spui, a square is named after the former river, one enters the Begijnhof. The Beguines were the female members of Christian lay religious orders who led a celibate life and were at times persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church.
In and around the Palace at the Dam, preparations for Throne Change on the next day were being made, while teenagers already started the celebrations.
Two days later we briefly visited Chinatown, the Red Light District and the Damrak, the street leading from Dam to the Central Station with its remarkable entrance hall.
.....
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Ausgehend vom Kaashuis in der Fußgängerzone Nieuwendijk in Amsterdam, Niederlande, sammelten wir am Vortag des Koninginnedag neue Impressionen in dieser wunderschönen Stadt.
Im Korenmetershuis sind nationale Organisationen zum Schutz des nationalen Erbes untergebracht. Amsterdams Stadtbild wird dominiert von den vielen Grachten. Seit 2010 ist der Grachtenring auf der Liste der UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe.
Wir überqueren die Singel-, die Heren- und die Keizersgracht und stoßen auf die Prinsengracht in der sich das Anne Frank Huis befindet. Wir passieren dabei die Blauwburggracht und die Bloemgracht im Jordaanviertel, die als die Schönste gilt.
Im Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, einer der ersten Grachten, die zur Straße umfunktioniert wurde und damit heftige Bürgerproteste auslöste, bewundern wir die herrlichen Fassaden.
Vom Spui, einem Platz der nach dem ehemaligen Fluss benannt ist, betritt man den Begijnhof. Die Beginen waren die weiblichen Mitglieder von ordensähnlichen Hausgemeinschaften die ein eheloses Leben führten und teilweise von der katholischen Kirche verfolgt wurden.
Im und um den Palast am Dam liefen die Vorbereitungen für den am kommenden Tag geplanten Thronwechsel, während Jugendliche bereits mit dem Feiern begannen.
Am übernächsten Tag besuchten wir noch kurz das Chinesenviertel, den Red Light District und die Damrak, die Straße die vom Dam zur Centraal Station mit ihrer sehenswerten Eingangshalle, führt.
....
Weitere Infos im Reisevideoblog:
Canals of Amsterdam
The Amsterdam canal system is the result of conscious city planning.
In the early 17th century, when immigration was at a peak, a plan was developed that was based on four concentric half-circles of canals known as the Grachtengordel - three of the canals were mostly for residential development: the Herengracht (Canal of the lords), Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal), and Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal).
The fourth and outermost canal is the Singelgracht,- a collective name for all canals in the outer ring.
View the decorated and colourful houseboats, the narrow houses along the canals and the bridges.
amsterdam
round in a boat @ amsterdam canals
Much of the Amsterdam canal system is the successful outcome of city planning. In the early part of the 17th century, with immigration rising, a comprehensive plan was put together, calling for four main, concentric half-circles of canals with their ends resting on the IJ Bay. Known as the grachtengordel,[5] three of the canals are mostly for residential development (Herengracht or ‘’Patricians' Canal’’; Keizersgracht or ‘’Emperor's Canal’’; and Prinsengracht or ‘’Prince's Canal’’), and a fourth, outer canal, Singelgracht, for purposes of defense and water management. The plan also envisaged interconnecting canals along radii; a set of parallel canals in the Jordaan quarter (primarily for the transportation of goods, for example, beer); the conversion of an existing, inner perimeter canal (Singel) from a defensive purpose to residential and commercial development; and more than one hundred bridges. The defensive purpose of the Nassau/Stadhouderskade was served by moat and earthen dikes, with gates at transit points but otherwise no masonry superstructures.[6]
Construction proceeded from west to east, across the breadth of the layout, like a gigantic windshield wiper as the historian Geert Mak calls it – not from the center outwards as a popular myth has it. Construction of the north-western sector was started in 1613 and was finished around 1625. After 1664, building in the southern sector was started, although slowly because of an economic depression. The eastern part of the concentric canal plan, covering the area between the Amstel river and the IJ Bay, was not implemented for a long time. In the following centuries, the land went mostly for park, the Botanical garden, old age homes, theaters and other public facilities – and for waterways without much plan.[7] Several parts of the city and of the urban area are polders, recognisable by their postfix -meer meaning 'lake', such as Aalsmeer, Bijlmermeer, Haarlemmermeer, and Watergraafsmeer. The canals in Amsterdam are now used as a main form of transportation around the city.
source is from wikipedia
Schaatsen op de Keizersgracht 2012
Ice skating on the Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal) in Amsterdam on February 6, 2012.
Amsterdam Canals' Stunning Beauty
Let your soul wander along the canals of Amsterdam to admire the stunning beauty of the city.
Amsterdam - Venice of the North the city of canals and the bridges.
Herengracht (Patrician's Canal), Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal), and Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal) are the three major ones forming Amsterdam canal ring - a beautiful canal network - built during the Dutch Golden Age of 17th Century.
Amsterdam’s picturesque canal district is on UNESCO World Heritage List as well as Amsterdam Centraal Station, Rijksmuseum and Magna Plaza (Old Post Office) amongst many others that you can see in this video.
To see names of the places, please enable subtitles.
Amsterdam - Sketch Amsterdam - Artists draws Amsterdam Netherlands. Sketch the World
JoshuaBoulet.com
Joshua Boulet wants to Sketch The World. Right now he is in Amsterdam. He draws everything he can see. With his blackbook (number 42) sketchbook. Boulet travels the world drawing buildings, people, culture, and events in which ever city he happens to currently be in. Watch him sketch the world in Amstedam.
Here is what Wiki sez about the city:
Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Amsterdam Dutch: is the capital and most populous municipality of the Netherlands. Its status as the capital is mandated by the Constitution of the Netherlands. The Hague. Amsterdam has a population of 851,373 within the city proper, 1,351,587 in the urban area, and 2,410,960 in the Amsterdam metropolitan area. The city is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country but is not its capital, which is Haarlem. The metropolitan area comprises much of the northern part of the Randstad, one of the larger conurbations in Europe, with a population of approximately 7 million.
Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin around a dam in the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading centre for finance and diamonds. In the 19th and 20th centuries the city expanded, and many new neighborhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19–20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since the annexation of municipality Sloten in 1921 by the municipality of Amsterdam, the oldest historic part of the city lies in Sloten (9th century).
As the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centres in Europe, Amsterdam is considered an alpha world city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) study group. The city is also the cultural capital of the Netherlands.[18] Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters there, and seven of the world's 500 largest companies, including Philips and ING, are based in the city. In 2012, Amsterdam was ranked the second best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and 12th globally on quality of living for environment and infrastructure by Mercer. The city was ranked 3rd in innovation by Australian innovation agency 2thinknow in their Innovation Cities Index 2009. The Amsterdam seaport to this day remains the second in the country, and the fifth largest seaport in Europe. Famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist Anne Frank, artists Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent van Gogh, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza.
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, the oldest stock exchange in the world, is located in the city center. Amsterdam's main attractions, including its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House, the Amsterdam Museum, its red-light district, and its many cannabis coffee shops draw more than 5 million international visitors annually. It is also one of the world's most multicultural cities, with at least 177 nationalities represented.
Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) of canals, most of which are navigable by boat. The city's three main canals are the Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht.
The Amsterdam canal system is the result of conscious city planning. In the early 17th century, when immigration was at a peak, a comprehensive plan was developed that was based on four concentric half-circles of canals with their ends emerging at the IJ bay. Known as the Grachtengordel, three of the canals were mostly for residential development: the Herengracht (where Heren refers to Heren Regeerders van de stad Amsterdam (ruling lords of Amsterdam), and gracht means canal, so the name can be roughly translated as Canal of the lords), Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal), and Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal). The fourth and outermost canal is the Singelgracht, which is often not mentioned on maps, because it is a collective name for all canals in the outer ring. The Singelgracht should not be confused with the oldest and most inner canal Singel.
Amsterdam has a rich architectural history. The oldest building in Amsterdam is the Oude Kerk (Old Church), at the heart of the Wallen, consecrated in 1306.[98] The oldest wooden building is het Houten Huys[99] at the Begijnhof. It was constructed around 1425 and is one of only two existing wooden buildings. It is also one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Amsterdam. Constructed in the architectural style of the Renaissance. Buildings of this period are very recognisable with their stepped gable façades, which is the common Dutch Renaissance style. Amsterdam quickly developed its own Renaissance architecture.
Mornings in Amsterdam
Touring beautiful Amsterdam in the early morning hours.
Amsterdam is the capital and most populous municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its status as the capital is mandated by the Constitution of the Netherlands,although it is not the seat of the government, which is The Hague. Amsterdam has a population of 849,799 within the city proper, 1,349,536 in the urban area, and 2,431,000 in the Amsterdam metropolitan area. The city is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country. The metropolitan area comprises much of the northern part of the Randstad, one of the larger conurbations in Europe, with a population of approximately 7 million.
Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin around a dam in the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading centre for finance and diamonds. In the 19th and 20th centuries the city expanded, and many new neighborhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19–20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
As the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centres in Europe, Amsterdam is considered an alpha world city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) study group. The city is also the cultural capital of the Netherlands. Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters there, and seven of the world's 500 largest companies, including Philips and ING, are based in the city. In 2012, Amsterdam was ranked the second best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and 12th globally on quality of living for environment and infrastructure by Mercer. The city was ranked 3rd in innovation by Australian innovation agency 2thinknow in their Innovation Cities Index 2009. The Amsterdam seaport to this day remains the second in the country, and the fifth largest seaport in Europe.
Famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist Anne Frank, artists Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent van Gogh, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza.
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, the oldest stock exchange in the world, is located in the city center. Amsterdam's main attractions, including its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, Anne Frank House, Amsterdam Museum, its red-light district, and its many cannabis coffee shops draw more than 5 million international visitors annually.
Amsterdam fans out south from the Amsterdam Centraal railway station and Damrak, the main street off the station. The oldest area of the town is known as de Wallen (the quays). It lies to the east of Damrak and contains the city's famous red light district. To the south of de Wallen is the old Jewish quarter of Waterlooplein. The medieval and colonial age canals of Amsterdam, known as Grachten, embraces the heart of the city where homes have interesting gables. Beyond the Grachtengordel are the former working class areas of Jordaan and de Pijp. The Museumplein with the city's major museums, the Vondelpark, a 19th-century park named after the Dutch writer Joost van den Vondel, and the Plantage neighbourhood, with the zoo, are also located outside the Grachtengordel.
Several parts of the city and the surrounding urban area are polders. This can be recognised by the suffix -meer which means lake, as in Aalsmeer, Bijlmermeer, Haarlemmermeer, and Watergraafsmeer.
The Amsterdam canal system is the result of conscious city planning.[83] In the early 17th century, when immigration was at a peak, a comprehensive plan was developed that was based on four concentric half-circles of canals with their ends emerging at the IJ bay. Known as the Grachtengordel, three of the canals were mostly for residential development: the Herengracht (where Heren refers to Heren Regeerders van de stad Amsterdam (ruling lords of Amsterdam), and gracht means canal, so the name can be roughly translated as Canal of the lords), Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal), and Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal). The fourth and outermost canal is the Singelgracht, which is often not mentioned on maps, because it is a collective name for all canals in the outer ring. The Singelgracht should not be confused with the oldest and most inner canal Singel. The canals served for defence, water management and transport. The defences took the form of a moat and earthen dikes, with gates at transit points, but otherwise no masonry superstructures. The original plans have been lost, so historians, such as Ed Taverne, need to speculate on the original intentions: it is thought that the considerations of the layout were purely practical and defensive rather than ornamental.
Les Pays-Bas les canaux d#Amsterdam (Netherlands Amsterdam Canals)
( Merci de noter cette vidéo ) ABONNEZ-VOUS pour suivre l'évolution de mes productions de vidéos sur YouTube,cordialement , Video-Globe ,Amsterdam est pourvu de quelque 400 canaux qui lui ont fort justement valu son surnom de « Venise du Nord ». Le réseau est si étendu qu'il est possible de découvrir et de visiter la capitale néerlandaise au fil de l'eau, en #péniche ou en #bateau-mouche, moyens de déplacement qui représentent une alternative originale aux transports en communs classiques. De l'extérieur vers l'intérieur de la ville, les quatre principaux canaux qui encerclent cette dernière sont Prinsengracht ou canal du Prince, Keizersgracht ou canal de l'Empereur Herengracht ou canal des Seigneurs et Singel. La rivière Singel n'est devenue canal qu'au 14eme siècle, les trois précédents datant du tout début du Siècle d'Or. Si le temps ne vous manque pas, empruntez les Herengracht et Keizersgracht, ils vous mèneront à la découverte de lieux typiques du Siècle d'Or et vous donneront un aperçu de l'architecture de l'époque. ---------------(Nederlandse)--------------- Amsterdam is gevuld met zo'n 400 kanalen die terecht hebben de bijnaam Venetië van het Noorden. Het netwerk is zo uitgebreid dat het mogelijk is om te ontdekken en de Nederlandse hoofdstad te bezoeken over water per binnenschip of rivierboot, verplaatsing betekent een originele alternatief voor de conventionele openbaar vervoer. Van buiten naar binnen de stad, de vier belangrijkste grachten die het omringen zijn de Prinsengracht of Prince, Keizersgracht of de keizer, of Herengracht en de Singel of Lords. River Singel is nu alleen 14e eeuw, drie eerdere daterend uit het begin van de Gouden Eeuw. Als de tijd niet begeven en u neemt de Herengracht en de Keizersgracht, ze zullen je leiden tot het ontdekken van typische plekjes van de Gouden Eeuw en geeft u een overzicht van de architectuur van de tijd. --------------( english)------------ Amsterdam filled with some 400 channels that have rightly earned the nickname Venice of the North . The network is so extensive that it is possible to discover and visit the Dutch capital over water by barge or riverboat, displacement means represent an original alternative to conventional public transport. From outside to inside the city, the four main canals that surround it are Prinsengracht Canal or Prince, Keizersgracht and Herengracht canal or the Emperor of Lords and the Singel canal. River Singel canal is now only 14th century, three previous dating from the very beginning of the Golden Age. If time does not fail you, take the Herengracht and Keizersgracht, they will lead you to discovering typical places of the Golden Age and will give you an overview of the architecture of the time. ( Amsterdam ist mit rund 400 Kanäle, die zu Recht den Beinamen Venedig des Nordens verdient haben gefüllt. Das Netzwerk ist so umfangreich, dass es möglich zu entdecken und zu besuchen der niederländischen Hauptstadt über das Wasser per Schiff oder Riverboat ist, stellen Verschiebung bedeutet eine originelle Alternative zu herkömmlichen öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln. Von außen nach innen der Stadt sind die vier Hauptkanäle, die es umgeben Prinsengracht oder Prince, Keizersgracht und Herengracht oder der Kaiser der Lords und der Singel Gracht. River Singel ist jetzt nur noch 14. Jahrhundert, drei vorangegangenen aus dem Anfang des Goldenen Zeitalters. Wenn es die Zeit nicht scheitern Sie, nehmen Sie die Herengracht und Keizersgracht, sie werden euch zur Entdeckung typische Orte des Goldenen Zeitalters führen und geben Ihnen einen Überblick über die Architektur der Zeit.
--------------(deutsch)------------- Amsterdam ist mit rund 400 Kanäle, die zu Recht den Beinamen Venedig des Nordens verdient haben gefüllt. Das Netzwerk ist so umfangreich, dass es möglich zu entdecken und zu besuchen der niederländischen Hauptstadt über das Wasser per Schiff oder Riverboat ist, stellen Verschiebung bedeutet eine originelle Alternative zu herkömmlichen öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln. Von außen nach innen der Stadt sind die vier Hauptkanäle, die es umgeben Prinsengracht oder Prince, Keizersgracht und Herengracht oder der Kaiser der Lords und der Singel Gracht. River Singel ist jetzt nur noch 14. Jahrhundert, drei vorangegangenen aus dem Anfang des Goldenen Zeitalters. Wenn es die Zeit nicht scheitern Sie, nehmen Sie die Herengracht und Keizersgracht, sie werden euch zur Entdeckung typische Orte des Goldenen Zeitalters führen und geben Ihnen einen Überblick über die Architektur der Zeit.
magere brug, Skinny Bridge Amsterdam
The Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is a bridge over the river Amstel in the city centre of Amsterdam. It connects the banks of the river at Kerkstraat (Church Street), between Keizersgracht (Emperors' Canal) and Prinsengracht (Princes' Canal).
The central section of the Magere Brug is a bascule bridge made of white-painted wood. The present bridge was built in 1934. The first bridge at this site was built in 1691 as Kerkstraatbrug and had 13 arches. Because this bridge was very narrow, the locals called it magere brug, which literally means skinny bridge. In 1871 the state of the bridge was so bad that it was demolished and replaced by a nine-arched wooden bridge. Fifty years later this bridge also needed to be replaced. Architect Piet Kramer made several designs for a steel and stone bridge, but the city decided to replace it with a new bridge that looked the same as the previous, only slightly bigger. In 1934 the bridge was demolished and replaced. The last major renovation was in 1969. Until 1994 the bridge was opened by hand, but now is opened automatically.
Use of the bridge has been limited to pedestrians and cyclists since 2003. It is however opened many times a day in order to let through river traffic. The boats used for sightseeing tours are low enough to pass underneath the bridge when closed. The bridge is decorated with 1200 light bulbs that are illuminated in the evening.
A story told to tourists about the origins of the 1691 version of the bridge is that it was built by two wealthy sisters who lived on opposite sides of the Amstel river and wanted to be able to visit one another every day (and were presumably too busy, or not in good enough health, to go the long way round via another bridge, of which there must surely have been at least one). In one variant of the story the sisters, although wealthy, were not quite wealthy enough to afford a bridge of adequate width for general use and so built a very narrow bridge, hence its name. In another variant of the story the sisters' last name was Mager, hence the bridge's name (rather than from its narrowness).
The bridge can be seen in a number of films, such as the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever from 1971
Canal Riding in Amsterdam
The Amsterdam canal system is the result of conscious city planning. In the early 17th century, when immigration was at a peak, a comprehensive plan was developed that was based on four concentric half-circles of canals with their ends emerging at the IJ bay. Known as the Grachtengordel, three of the canals were mostly for residential development: the Herengracht (where Heren refers to Heren Regeerders van de stad Amsterdam (ruling lords of Amsterdam), and gracht means canal, so the name can be roughly translated as Canal of the lords), Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal), and Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal).[40] The fourth and outermost canal is the Singelgracht, which is often not mentioned on maps, because it is a collective name for all canals in the outer ring. The Singelgracht should not be confused with the oldest and most inner canal Singel. The canals served for defence, water management and transport. The defences took the form of a moat and earthen dikes, with gates at transit points, but otherwise no masonry superstructures. The original plans have been lost, so historians, such as Ed Taverne, need to speculate on the original intentions: it is thought that the considerations of the layout were purely practical and defensive rather than ornamental.
Canals of Amsterdam - July 2014
Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, has more than one hundred kilometres of canals, about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. The three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Jordaan, were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, contributing to Amsterdam's fame as the Venice of the North.
History
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, c. 1686
Much of the Amsterdam canal system is the successful outcome of city planning. In the early part of the 17th century, with immigration rising, a comprehensive plan was put together, calling for four main, concentric half-circles of canals with their ends resting on the IJ Bay. Known as the grachtengordel, three of the canals are mostly for residential development (Herengracht or ‘’Patricians' Canal’’; Keizersgracht or ‘’Emperor's Canal’’; and Prinsengracht or ‘’Prince's Canal’’), and a fourth, outer canal, Singelgracht, for purposes of defense and water management. The plan also envisaged interconnecting canals along radii; a set of parallel canals in the Jordaan quarter (primarily for the transportation of goods, for example, beer); the conversion of an existing, inner perimeter canal (Singel) from a defensive purpose to residential and commercial development; and more than one hundred bridges. The defensive purpose of the Nassau/Stadhouderskade was served by moat and earthen dikes, with gates at transit points but otherwise no masonry superstructures.
Construction proceeded from west to east, across the breadth of the layout, like a gigantic windshield wiper as the historian Geert Mak calls it – not from the center outwards as a popular myth has it. Construction of the north-western sector was started in 1613 and was finished around 1625. After 1664, building in the southern sector was started, although slowly because of an economic depression. The eastern part of the concentric canal plan, covering the area between the Amstel river and the IJ Bay, was not implemented for a long time. In the following centuries, the land went mostly for park, the Botanical garden, old age homes, theaters and other public facilities – and for waterways without much plan.[7] Several parts of the city and of the urban area are polders, recognisable by their postfix -meer meaning 'lake', such as Aalsmeer, Bijlmermeer, Haarlemmermeer, and Watergraafsmeer. The canals in Amsterdam are now used as a main form of transportation around the city.
Amsterdam | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Amsterdam
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
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Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
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The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Amsterdam (, UK also ; Dutch: [ɑmstərˈdɑm] (listen)) is the capital city and most populous municipality of the Netherlands. Its status as the capital is mandated by the Constitution of the Netherlands, although it is not the seat of the government, which is The Hague. Amsterdam has a population of 851,373 within the city proper, 1,351,587 in the urban area and 2,410,960 in the metropolitan area. The city is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country but is not its capital, which is Haarlem. The metropolitan area comprises much of the northern part of the Randstad, one of the larger conurbations in Europe, with a population of approximately 8 million.Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin around a dam in the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading centre for finance and diamonds. In the 19th and 20th centuries the city expanded, and many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19–20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since the annexation of the municipality of Sloten in 1921 by the municipality of Amsterdam, the oldest historic part of the city lies in Sloten (9th century).
As the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centres in Europe, Amsterdam is considered an alpha world city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) study group. The city is also the cultural capital of the Netherlands. Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters there, and seven of the world's 500 largest companies, including Philips, AkzoNobel, TomTom and ING, are based in the city. Also, many leading technology companies have their European headquarters in Amsterdam, such as Uber, Netflix and Tesla. In 2012, Amsterdam was ranked the second best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and 12th globally on quality of living for environment and infrastructure by Mercer. The city was ranked 3rd in innovation by Australian innovation agency 2thinknow in their Innovation Cities Index 2009. The Port of Amsterdam to this day remains the second in the country, and the fifth largest seaport in Europe. Famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist Anne Frank, artists Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent van Gogh, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza.
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, the oldest stock exchange in the world, is located in the city centre. Amsterdam's main attractions include its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House, the Scheepvaartmuseum, the Amsterdam Museum, the Heineken Experience, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Natura Artis Magistra, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, NEMO, the red-light district and many cannabis coffee shops. They draw more than 5 million international visitors annually. The city is also well known for its nightlife and festival activity; several of its nightclubs (Melkweg, Paradiso) are among the world's most famous. It is also one of the world's most multicultural cities, with at least 177 nationalities represented.
Japanese Salon Amsterdam Jan. 2009
SALON is an Exclusive & Elegant Cultural Event hosted by Azumi Garvey-Uchitani. It is held in the stunning Salon of an original 18th century Mansion located on Keizersgracht in Amsterdam; Guests are invited to enjoy Sushi, Sake, Wine and our TALK SHOW and participation in the cultural workshopt. Each time, unveils a different theme. Japanese calligraphy in January, Sake tasting in March, Sushi Workshop, Kimono and more throughout the year ..
Amsterdam
Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide | Amsterdam — Europe's best-preserved 17th-century city — is simultaneously quaint and jarring, traditional and modern. Filled with history and still happy-go-lucky, it's a delight to explore. Uniquely entertaining Amsterdam shows off its Rembrandts and Van Goghs, more bikes than cars, flirting prostitutes, and pot-filled coffeeshops — all under tall, skinny facades leaning out over placid canals.
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Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.
Canals of Amsterdam - Saverio Pepe
Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, has more than one hundred kilometres of canals, about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. The three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings.[1] The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Jordaan, were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010,[2] contributing to Amsterdam's fame as the Venice of the North.[3][4]
History
Much of the Amsterdam canal system is the successful outcome of city planning. In the early part of the 17th century, with immigration rising, a comprehensive plan was put together, calling for four main, concentric half-circles of canals with their ends resting on the IJ Bay. Known as the grachtengordel,[5] three of the canals are mostly for residential development (Herengracht or ‘’Patricians' Canal’’; Keizersgracht or ‘’Emperor's Canal’’; and Prinsengracht or ‘’Prince's Canal’’), and a fourth, outer canal, Singelgracht, for purposes of defense and water management. The plan also envisaged interconnecting canals along radii; a set of parallel canals in the Jordaan quarter (primarily for the transportation of goods, for example, beer); the conversion of an existing, inner perimeter canal (Singel) from a defensive purpose to residential and commercial development; and more than one hundred bridges. The defensive purpose of the Nassau/Stadhouderskade was served by moat and earthen dikes, with gates at transit points but otherwise no masonry superstructures.[6]
Construction proceeded from west to east, across the breadth of the layout, like a gigantic windshield wiper as the historian Geert Mak calls it – not from the center outwards as a popular myth has it. Construction of the north-western sector was started in 1613 and was finished around 1625. After 1664, building in the southern sector was started, although slowly because of an economic depression. The eastern part of the concentric canal plan, covering the area between the Amstel river and the IJ Bay, was not implemented for a long time. In the following centuries, the land went mostly for park, the Botanical garden, old age homes, theaters and other public facilities – and for waterways without much plan.[7] Several parts of the city and of the urban area are polders, recognisable by their postfix -meer meaning 'lake', such as Aalsmeer, Bijlmermeer, Haarlemmermeer, and Watergraafsmeer. The canals in Amsterdam are now used as a main form of transportation around the city.
House with the Heads: ornaments on gable - Amsterdam (Holland)
Scene from the DVD Along the canals of Amsterdam: House with the Heads. A double house with a typical gable at the Emperor's canal in Amsterdam (Holland)
Amsterdam | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Amsterdam
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
You can find other Wikipedia audio articles too at:
You can upload your own Wikipedia articles through:
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Amsterdam (, UK also ; Dutch: [ɑmstərˈdɑm] (listen)) is the capital city and most populous municipality of the Netherlands. Its status as the capital is mandated by the Constitution of the Netherlands, although it is not the seat of the government, which is The Hague. Amsterdam has a population of 851,373 within the city proper, 1,351,587 in the urban area and 2,410,960 in the metropolitan area. The city is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country but is not its capital, which is Haarlem. The metropolitan area comprises much of the northern part of the Randstad, one of the larger conurbations in Europe, with a population of approximately 8 million.Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin around a dam in the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading centre for finance and diamonds. In the 19th and 20th centuries the city expanded, and many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19–20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since the annexation of the municipality of Sloten in 1921 by the municipality of Amsterdam, the oldest historic part of the city lies in Sloten (9th century).
As the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centres in Europe, Amsterdam is considered an alpha world city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) study group. The city is also the cultural capital of the Netherlands. Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters there, and seven of the world's 500 largest companies, including Philips, AkzoNobel, TomTom and ING, are based in the city. Also, many leading technology companies have their European headquarters in Amsterdam, such as Uber, Netflix and Tesla. In 2012, Amsterdam was ranked the second best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and 12th globally on quality of living for environment and infrastructure by Mercer. The city was ranked 3rd in innovation by Australian innovation agency 2thinknow in their Innovation Cities Index 2009. The Port of Amsterdam to this day remains the second in the country, and the fifth largest seaport in Europe. Famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist Anne Frank, artists Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent van Gogh, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza.
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, the oldest stock exchange in the world, is located in the city centre. Amsterdam's main attractions include its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House, the Scheepvaartmuseum, the Amsterdam Museum, the Heineken Experience, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Natura Artis Magistra, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, NEMO, the red-light district and many cannabis coffee shops. They draw more than 5 million international visitors annually. The city is also well known for its nightlife and festival activity; several of its nightclubs (Melkweg, Paradiso) are among the world's most famous. It is also one of the world's most multicultural cities, with at least 177 nationalities represented.