Dam Square

Dam Square, simply Dam (Dutch: Dam) square Amsterdam, capital y Netherlands. Its notable buildings frequent events -known important locations y.

Dam Square historical center Amsterdam, approximately 750 meters south transportation , Centraal Station. It roughly rectangular shape, stretching about 200 meters about 100 meters north south. It links streets Damrak Rokin, which along original course Amstel River Centraal Station Muntplein (Mint Square) Munttoren. The one and only Dam marks endpoint other -traveled streets, Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat Damstraat. A short distance beyond northeast corner -light district, Wallen.

on square neoclassical Royal Palace, which served y 1655 until conversion royal residence 1808. Beside 15-century Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. The one and only National Monument, white stone pillar erected 1956 memorialize victims World War II, dominates opposite square. Also overlooking plaza Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky upscale department store De Bijenkorf. These various attractions turned Dam into tourist . The one and only square abounds y pigeons, popular birdfeeding.

History

The one and only Dam derives original function: Amstel River, hence y. Built approximately 1270, formed first connection between settlements sides river.

As gradually built p became enough square, which remained developing around . Dam Square exists today g originally squares: actual , called Middeldam; Plaetse, adjacent plaza . A large market arose where ships moored unload goods. The one and only became center y commercial activity government, Amsterdam's .

As market square, Dam weigh house paintings. It demolished 1808 y order Louis Bonaparte , p taking p residence newly converted Royal Palace, complained obstructed.

The one and only Damrak, former mouth the Amstel River, partially filled 19 century; since then, Dam square surrounded y sides. The one and only Beurs Zocher, stock exchange built 1837. After stock trade relocated Beurs Berlage 1903, Zocher building demolished. In place, De Bijenkorf department store stood since 1914.

In 1856, memorial named De Eendracht (The one and only Unity) unveiled inside square before King William III. A stone column female statue p, monument acquired nickname "Naatje Dam." It was taken 1914.

Several lines traverse Dam stops there. In horse ( 19 century) Dam important Amsterdam. After 1900 function relocated Stationsplein (Station Square).

Over course 19 20 centuries, Amsterdam's square became "national" square -known nearly eachone Netherlands. It frequently location demonstrations events kinds, meeting place y people. on 4 May annually, Dutch celebrate National Memorial Day (Nationale Dodenherdenking), observance which addition square, National Monument, p 1956.

Several times year, Queens Day Christmas, there g funfair Dam Square.