“A bridge to heaven?” a skeptical voice muttered. We stand before ‘t Hemeltje, a name that translates to “little heaven,” though its story is far from heavenly. ‘t Hemeltje was once a bustling café in Volendam, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Tragically, on New Year’s Eve 2001, ‘t Hemeltje became the site of a devastating fire. The blaze, sparked by Christmas decorations, claimed the lives of fourteen people and injured 180 more, forever etching this date into Volendam’s history. The fire at ‘t Hemeltje serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life, even amidst celebration. While the physical structure of ‘t Hemeltje may be gone, the memory of the tragedy and the lives lost remains, casting a long shadow over this once vibrant spot. ‘t Hemeltje now serves as a poignant memorial, its name a bittersweet echo of what once was.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to