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Amsterdam History, Netherlands

Amsterdam, History- the early history

Amsterdam, one of the most important cities of Netherlands, has always played a significant role in the Dutch history, as it has been the greatest planned capital in the North of Europe.

The first information we have about Amsterdam History dates back from the 13th century, when the town is first referred to as a fishing village. The next two centuries helped to the development of this place to such an extent that historians named it The Golden Age, from which only few buildings are still “alive” today. This period met a flourishing commercial place, with an increasing number of inhabitants. Amsterdam cityscape was also defined in that period and tourists can observe its characteristics even today, when they visit the Dam Square, which is now the Royal Palace, the Van Raey-huizen, Keizersgracht Sweedenrijk, Herengracht and Westerkerk, Zuiderkerk.

Amsterdam, History- the middle history

During the 17th and 18th century, people from all over the world immigrated to this amazing place. This is the reason why the official institutions were represented by immigrants of all cultures. This has lead to the apparition of the bubonic plague, which is supposed to have come from Algiers. The number of population decreased and Amsterdam began to lose its status as a staple market as fewer and fewer investors came in.

The next century saw a decline in the prosperity of this city, because of the attacks England and France made on Netherlands. However, with the establishment of the Kingdom of Netherlands, the situation started to improve. The Industrial Revolution gave e boost to the city’s economy, as many canals were built, this making the communication with the rest of the world much easier. The end of the 19th century is called Amsterdam’s second Golden Age, as many important institutions were established, many beautiful buildings erected and the number of inhabitants increased considerably.

Amsterdam, History- 20th century

During World War I, although Netherlands proclaimed its neutrality, Amsterdam could feel its consequences, due to the scarcity of food. The hippie period saw this capital the right place to unfold itself, as this magical center of Europe began to tolerate the use of soft drugs. At the beginning of this millennium, important social problems such as discrimination, security, religion were more and more often. Just like Amsterdam History, Rotterdam History and Cologne History tell the story of a glorious Dutch past that continues to be created with every second that passes by.


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  • adamAmsterdam,The Netherlands
    review by adam posted more then 30 days ago
    The Netherlands is by far one of Europes most gripping country. It has a rich history and I visited Amsterdam for a week. I can tell you that the city is not only pure charm and excitment, but it is also out of common and it's too unique unlike many other European cities. The best way to...
  • cipristbQuick facts about Amsterdam
    review by cipristb posted more then 30 days ago
    Amsterdam is one of the two capitals of the Netherlands, being the official capital of the Netherlands. It is assumed that the year in which the Netherlands has received the city rights (from the Bishop of Utrecht Guy Avesnes) is 1306. The XIV th century is the century in wich Amsterdam was...
  • cipristbWhat to see in Hague
    review by cipristb posted more then 30 days ago
    Hague is the capital of South Holland, here is the government seat of the Netherlands. The importance of the city began to grow in the XIV th century when they were transferred here the Supreme Judicial Courts of the Provinces of Holland and Zeeland. At the end of the XVI century the royal court...
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Read our members' travel tips about Amsterdam


  • party-girlWest Church in Amsterdam
    travel tip by party-girl posted more then 30 days ago
    The West Church (Westerkerk) is one the highest buildings in Amsterdam and one of the few that allows visitors to climb its top. The view is quite beautiful from up the tower, though can't see very far to the sea. The inside of the...
  • blackangel_66Van Gogh Museum
    travel tip by blackangel_66 posted more then 30 days ago
    Though a little bit expensive, the Van Gogh Museum is an artistic jewel among all the naturalistic or historic museums that can be found in Amsterdam. There are more than 200 paintings and about 5-600 drawings of the famous Dutch artist...
  • tibi60Walking Tour: Amsterdam in World War II
    travel tip by tibi60 posted more then 30 days ago
    Learning a bit more of the city's history, and social background during the German occupation, the Amsterdam in World War II Walking Tour  was the perfect opportunity.Focusing on the happening during World War II and afterward...
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Amsterdam City Ratings

  • Rating91%
    City Rank69
     
  • History & Culture: rated for 90%
  • Night Life & Entertainment: rated for 100%
  • Family & Fun: rated for 80%
  • Outdoors Activities: rated for 70%
  • Food: rated for 80%
  • Sightseeing: rated for 100%
  • Shopping: rated for 100%
  • Public Transportation: rated for 100%
  • Must visit this place: rated for 100%
  
 
 
 
  
Amsterdam is one of the "must visit" tourist destinations in the world. This rank is based on what other travelers shared about their experiences in Amsterdam
 
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