A gallery of quintessentially Amsterdam, shot at nightfall.
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s best preserved cities with centuries old, gorgeous vistas and canals that showcase magnificent gables. During the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century Amsterdam was expanding rapidly (the wealth fuelled the growth), by draining swampland and using a system of canals in concentric half-circles and filling in the intermediate spaces. The result is called the Grachtengordel (girdle or belt of canals).
They are, as seen from the center outward: Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht with many small canals in between, famous for their gabled houses and idyllic charm. You can explore them best by foot, bike or boat. Have a look in here of what you may encounter!
In for more? This superb animation from “Stadsarchief Amsterdam” shows how the canals were built in just about 90 years during the Golden Age. From 1660 onwards the three canals were extended, giving Amsterdam’s canal belt the famous famous half-moon shape.
