Think of Amsterdam. It is built on millions of poles. Here we stand near the Mr. Treubspoorbrug. This railroad viaduct at Amstel Station was captured in a photo on August 9, 1971. Cars moved below it.
Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the North. But did you know it officially became the capital only in 1983? Before that, everyone just assumed it was.
The Mr. Treubspoorbrug stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s history. The city began as a small fishing village in the 13th century. It was located behind a dyke. This protected them from the Amstel River. Back then, it was called Amstelredam. That name referred to the dam in the Amstel River.
Amsterdam is a city below sea level. Its train station needs 9,000 poles for support. A regular house needs only 10. These poles are long. They reach deep into the sandy layer.
Amsterdam has a rich history. If you die here without family, a poet will write a poem for your funeral. The Torensluis bridge is the oldest and widest bridge of Amsterdam. The Red-Light District has blue lights for transgender women. The floating flower market has been around since 1862.
King Lodewijk Napoleon once tried to speak Dutch. He wanted to say, “I am the King of Holland.” Instead, he said, “I am the rabbit of Holland.”
Amsterdam’s biggest football club is Ajax. It has a great youth program. There is also a cat boat. It is an animal shelter with many cats.
The motto of Amsterdam is heroic. It also means determined and merciful. The city’s symbol has three crosses. One explanation is that they stand for St. Andrew.
Amsterdam has many inhabitants. They come from many countries. The city has many trams, boat houses, museums and paintings. It also has many hotels, cinemas and clubs.
Amsterdam has many canals. Many bikes end up in these canals each year. The city also has many bars and cafes. Its airport is below sea level.
Amsterdam has many bridges. One of the most famous is the Magere Brug. Amsterdam has more canals than Venice. It has more bridges than Paris. Many people ride bikes here. Many bikes get stolen.
Amsterdam welcomes millions of tourists each year. The city is located on many small islands. The most important canals were created during the Dutch Golden Age. Amsterdam has many cycle paths.
Many canal houses are small at the entrance. This is because of taxes. The smallest facade is very narrow. Amsterdam has many monumental buildings. It also has a great public transportation network.
You can find many paintings by Rembrandt in Amsterdam. If you want to relax, visit one of the city’s parks. There are also many windmills left in Amsterdam. Amsterdam has many markets. You can also find many theaters and concert halls. Many Amsterdammers use their bikes every day.
The oldest house is at the Begijnhof. Amsterdam has many museums per square meter. Its airport has a museum. There are also many coffee shops in Amsterdam.
The smallest house in Europe is here. The main shopping street is very old. Amsterdam’s nickname is Mokum. The Munttoren is part of the old city wall.
Amsterdam has many carillons. The widest house is very wide. The monument on Dam Square was renovated. Cuttings from Anne Frank’s tree have been sent around the world.
De Bijenkorf started as a small shop. The Kalverstraat is a popular shopping street. Tram number 5 is the busiest. You can find parakeets in the Vondelpark.
The Mr. Treubspoorbrug. It is a part of this vibrant city. It connects its past with its present.