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Amsterdam: A Brief Life of the City

Edward Bell

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The Early Years

Amsterdam was founded in the 13th century as a small fishing village on the Amstel River. The city's name is derived from the Amstel and the Dutch word "dam," meaning "dam." The city grew rapidly in the 14th and 15th centuries, as it became a major trading center for the Hanseatic League. In the 16th century, Amsterdam became the capital of the Dutch Republic, and it flourished as a center of commerce and culture.

Amsterdam: A brief life of the city

by Geert Mak

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2263 KB
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Print length	:	354 pages

The Golden Age

The 17th century was the Dutch Golden Age, and Amsterdam was at its center. The city was a major hub for trade and finance, and it was home to some of the world's most famous artists, writers, and thinkers. Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals were just a few of the many great artists who lived and worked in Amsterdam during this time. The city was also a major center of learning, and the University of Amsterdam was founded in 1632.

The 18th and 19th Centuries

The 18th and 19th centuries were a time of great change for Amsterdam. The city's economy declined, and it was no longer the major center of commerce that it had once been. However, Amsterdam remained a cultural center, and it was home to a number of important artists and writers. Vincent van Gogh, for example, lived and worked in Amsterdam in the late 19th century.

The 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of great change for Amsterdam. The city was occupied by the Nazis during World War II, and it suffered heavy damage during the war. After the war, Amsterdam was rebuilt, and it became a major tourist destination. The city is now home to a number of museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions.

Amsterdam Today

Amsterdam is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It is a city of canals, bridges, and gabled houses. It is a city of art, history, and culture. It is a city that has been home to some of the world's most famous artists, writers, and thinkers. Amsterdam is a city that has something to offer everyone.

Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

There are many things to see and do in Amsterdam. Here are a few of the most popular attractions:

Visit the Anne Frank House
Take a boat tour of the canals
Visit the Rijksmuseum
See the Van Gogh Museum
Walk through the Jordaan district
Visit the Albert Cuypmarkt
Eat at a traditional Dutch restaurant

Getting to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. The city is served by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS),which is one of the busiest airports in Europe. Amsterdam is also connected to major European cities by high-speed rail. The city is also easily accessible by car, and there are a number of motorways that connect Amsterdam to other parts of the Netherlands and Europe.