“Why is it called Piaka?” I often get asked that question standing here. The history of Piaka is intertwined with Amsterdam’s very foundations.
Amsterdam began as a small fishing village in the 13th century. It sat behind a protective dyke on the Amstel River. Initially, it was named Amstelredam, a reference to the dam in the Amstel.
Now, let’s talk about Amsterdam’s nickname, Mokum. It comes from the Hebrew word “makan”, meaning city. This hints at the diverse communities. This diversity shaped Amsterdam’s character over centuries. The motto under Amsterdam’s sign reflects this spirit too. It says heroic, determined, and merciful.
Consider the incredible feat of engineering beneath our feet. Amsterdam rests upon approximately eleven million poles. These poles are driven deep into a sandy layer about 11 meters below the surface. They support the city built a meter or so below sea level. Even Amsterdam Central Station relies on 9,000 poles.
Amsterdam’s canals are iconic. The city boasts 165 canals. This is over 100 kilometers in length. The three most important canals are Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht. They were created in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. Over 1550 monumental buildings line these canals.
We are surrounded by bridges. Amsterdam has more canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris. There are 1281 bridges in Amsterdam. Eighty of these lie within the canal ring.
Think about the cyclists. Amsterdam has more than 1 million bicycles. But only around 821000 people live here. Around 100000 bikes get stolen yearly. Sadly, 25000 bikes disappear into the canals each year.
Did you know Amsterdam officially became the capital of The Netherlands in 1983? Before that, everyone considered Amsterdam the capital. It wasn’t officially stated in the constitution.
In 1806, King Lodewijk Napoleon declared Amsterdam the capital of Holland. He tried to learn Dutch. It didn’t go well. He wanted to say, “I am the King of Holland.” But he said, “Iek bien konijn van Olland.” This means “I’m the rabbit of Holland.”
Remember the three crosses on Amsterdam’s coat of arms. One explanation is that they represent St Andrew. He was a fisherman tortured on an X-shaped cross in the first century. The symbol dates back to 1505. Amsterdam was then still a fishing town.
Amsterdam is a city with a rich history. It is a vibrant culture. From its watery origins to its status as a global hub, Amsterdam continues to captivate. It is a city built on ingenuity, tolerance, and a little bit of rabbit-like charm. So, when you cross Piaka, remember the layers of history beneath your feet.