A whisper of history echoes along Plantage Kerklaan. This isn’t just a street. It’s a living timeline. Plantage Kerklaan in Amsterdam breathes with stories of resilience and loss. It’s a place where the past whispers secrets in the present.
Originally called Kerklaan Plantage Kerklaan was part of the Kerkstraat. The Kerkstraat was built in 1665. It was designed to connect four churches around Amsterdam’s second expansion. Only two of these churches were ever built. The eastern section of the Kerkstraat eventually received its current name.
Plantage Kerklaan became a center of Jewish life. Many Jewish Amsterdammers lived here. Notable residents included the resistance fighters Bart and Lydia Riezouw born at number 9. Composer Leo Smit and communist leader David Wijnkoop were also born here.
But Plantage Kerklaan holds a darker secret. On March 27 1943 during the German occupation a daring raid took place. Resistance fighters attacked the Amsterdam population registry. This was located at numbers 36-38. This registry was a tool of oppression. The resistance aimed to destroy it. All those involved were caught and executed. A plaque at number 36 commemorates their sacrifice. It lists the 12 fallen freedom fighters. The inscription reads “They fought and fell for freedom”.
The building itself survived. It became home to Studio Plantage a television studio. From 1990 to 2011 many popular Dutch programs were broadcast from here. Today Micropia a museum of microbes resides in the same building.
Artis Royal Zoo stands proudly at numbers 38-40. This is one of Amsterdam’s most beloved institutions. It also played a vital role in the resistance. It secretly sheltered around 150 people during the war. These included resistance fighters Jews and those seeking to avoid forced labor.
Plantage Kerklaan’s story is multifaceted. It showcases both the vibrant life of Amsterdam’s Jewish community and the dark shadows of war. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s strength. The courage of those who fought for freedom resonates here. Plantage Kerklaan is a street that should never be forgotten. Each building each cobblestone tells a story. It’s a story that awaits you. Explore Plantage Kerklaan and uncover its secrets for yourself.