Consider this waterway. It is more than just a canal. The Admiralengracht is a testament to Amsterdam’s ingenuity and maritime history.
In 1924, the Admiralengracht received its name. It was named after Dutch and Zeeland admirals from the 16th to 19th centuries. Streets in the surrounding Admiralenbuurt also bear their names. Before 1924, this waterway was called Molensloot or Machinesloot. It led to the Zuidermolen mill.
The Zuidermolen mill was replaced in 1898 by the Gemaal Kostverloren pumping station. But even that was demolished in 1951. The Admiralengracht stretches from the Kostverlorenvaart near the Postjeswetering to the Erasmusgracht near the Erasmus Park.
This waterway is part of a route. It connects the Kostverlorenvaart, the city center, Amsterdam-Zuid, and the western garden cities with the Sloterplas. Look around and notice the bridges.
The Postjesweg crosses the Admiralengracht via the Machineslootbrug. The Jan Evertsenstraat crosses via the Molenslootbrug. The Jan van Galenstraat crosses via the Vierwindstrekenbrug. All three bridges showcase the Amsterdam School style.
Don’t miss the Groentepraambrug. It’s a footbridge also known as Het Groene Bruggetje. You can find it near the Van Kinsbergenstraat.
Until 1954, the Admiralengracht and Postjeswetering had a different water level. It was the Sloterpolder level. There was no open connection to the Kostverlorenvaart. Small vegetable boats were transported via an overtoom under the Baarsjesweg. This was between the pumping station and the Ambachtsschool.
In 1954, the canal was connected to the Kostverlorenvaart. The water level was raised. The overtoom was replaced with an open water connection. Now, the Baarsjesweg is interrupted here.
Near the junction of Admiralengracht, Postjeswetering, and Kostverlorenvaart stands a building. It’s the former Ambachtsschool, later the School for Edelsmeden. Today, it’s known as Het Sieraad. It is another example of the Amsterdam School style.
Many houses have been built here. It is possible to moor your own boat in front of the door on Admiralengracht.
The Admiralty of Amsterdam was the largest of the five Dutch admiralties during the Dutch Republic. It played a vital role in naval affairs. It oversaw Amsterdam, the Gooi region, Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Utrecht, and parts of Gelderland. The administrators of the Admiralty resided in the Prinsenhof. It was later called the Zeekantoor. The building acquired the name Prinsenhof, because the Prince of Orange used the building as Admiral-General.
The Admiralengracht. It’s a reminder of Amsterdam’s maritime power. It’s a vital waterway. It connects different parts of the city. Take a moment to appreciate its history and beauty.