Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Amsterdam's main square
- Surrounded by some major attractions
Time required: 15 minutes
Public transport:
- Tram Line 1: Dam stop
- Tram Line 2: Dam stop
- Tram Line 5: Dam stop
Address: Dam, Amsterdam
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: R.Duran
Things you need to know:
- Dam Square or "the Dam" (as locals call it) is Amsterdam's main square
- It marks the site of the original 13th c. dam on the Amstel River around which the city was built
- Highlights of "the Dam" include the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) and the National Monument
- By the 17th c. this square became the center of the powerful Dutch trading empire
- The Royal Palace was built as a town hall in the Dutch golden ages of the 17th c., and now is one of three palaces that belong to Queen Beatrix
- The National Monument commemorates the Dutch who died in World War II. The wall behind the obelisk contains urns holding soil from Dutch colonies and provinces
- The New Church holds the title of national Church of the Netherlands where Dutch monarchs are crowned
What to do there:
- Walk around the square for a great view of Koninklijk Paleis, Nieuwe Kerk and the National Monument
- There is always something going on here, whether it be street theater, living statutes, organ grinders, protests, and lots of pigeons
