Hello again! We all have come to know and love the Amsterdam Canals. These canals, houses and little streets of the canal district have become more and more precious throughout the ages. On one of my regular walks around the Jordaan this got me thinking, what do people actually know about the canal district, besides its beauty? There is so much history, so many facts and stories to share. So why not put some together in one article for you guys? Might be fun right? Well here we go.
During the 17th century, also the Golden Age, the first three main canals were dug. The Herengracht, Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht. They form concentric belts around the city. This canal district area, including the Jordaan, was placed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 2010. We were so proud! Did you know that alongside these canals you can find 1550 monumental buildings? The canal district exists of about 90 islands and has 1500 bridges!
Popular myths suggest that the city and the canal district was constructed from the center outwards. The real construction of the canals and the residential areas started in the north-west part of Amsterdam, near the Jordaan district. The construction of this area started in 1613 and finished around 1625. Only after 1664 the construction of the south area started. Many years later the construction moved on to the east part, covering the area between the Amstel and ’T IJ. Making the Jordaan, besides the city centre, the oldest part of Amsterdam!
Pictures by wikimedia.
Do you know why most canal houses are so small and long? Back in the Golden Age the tax was calculated by the width of the houses façade. This is why most people kept their houses small, but high and deep. This way they could keep taxes low. Of course, the rich wanted to show off, the wider the façade, the more money they had.
If you are interested in the history of the canals and canal houses, a visit to the museum ‘Het Grachtenhuis’ is definitely a good idea. Here you will learn everything there is to know on Amsterdam, how it is build and its unique infrastructure.
Sincerely,
Mr. J
Het Grachtenhuis
Herengracht 386
1016 CJ Amsterdam
Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 am till 5 pm.
€•••• (adult tickets €12,- euro)