by Ormond Wells

Created on: August 18, 2010

Amsterdam, Holland is ranked the seventh most visited European City, according to the Amsterdam Tourism and Convention Board*, and one might prose to argue that Amsterdam's stunning architecture is at the very backbone of its touristic draw. Others might speculate that scenes playing out in the infamous "Red Light District," where legalized marijuana use and prostitution occur, substantially influence the strongly tourist based economy. What ever the reasoning for your interests in Amsterdam, one must admire the numerous examples of modernism in the architecture of Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam boasts roughly 15.75 m annual visitors, 6,800 16th, 17th and 18th-century buildings, 300 statues and sculptures, and 1 Royal Palace. It is no wonder why this gem is long-marveled for its history of profound architectural classicism. In the 17th century the canals of Amsterdam, known as the "Grachtengordel," were considered the "Prince's canals," or Prinsengracht. These carefully planned ringed waterways have led to the success and overwhelmingly magnificent displays of architectural modernism.

Often viewed a sign of pretentious intellectualism in Dutch debate, the Grachtengordel (concentric ring of canals) was projectively a port city established in the late 16th to early 17th century. As of July, 2010 the 17th century ringed canals inside the Singelgracht, Amsterdam (Netherlands) was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific an Cultural Organization (UNESCO) the Singelgracht, "was a long-term programme that involved extending the city by draining the swampland, using a system of canals in concentric arcs and filling in the intermediate spaces. These spaces allowed the development of a homogeneous urban ensemble including gabled houses and numerous monuments." UNESCO further states that the ,"urban extension was the largest and most homogeneous of its time," and upon further conclusion stated that, "It was a model of large-scale town planning, and served as a reference throughout the world until the 19th century."

The old city center at the core of the Grachtengordel was of great significance prior to the 20th century and yet it is just one piece of the architectural treasure that lies in Amsterdam. Other Amsterdamian points of interest involving architectural splendor include the Oude Kerk (oldest building and church in the heart of Wallen), Similarly the Houten Huys is the oldest wooden building, in Begijnhof. Built around 1425 it is one of the few remaining examples of Neo-Gothic architecture. The Begijnhof Béguinage (collection of small buildings used by Beguines, was utilized originally by the Roman Catholic Church in the 13th century whereas today it is the site of the English Reformed Church.

The evolution and modernization of early architecture can clearly be evidenced and attested to by Amsterdam's ancestral imprints. Whether you chose to admire the remnants of Architectures past and present alike or rest tranquilly during a family vacation, you will find Amsterdam's accommodations to be rather modern to a great degree. The Amsterdam Centre for Architecture (ARCAM) offers printed maps and guides to Amsterdam's exciting structures. For those who seek such a thrill, take a wander through the old city and new alike. The old societies historical monuments can only be surpassed by the lavishly modernized Netherlander formations of today, both of which are truly awe inspiring.

*Statistics (2006) provided by Amsterdam Tourism and Convention Board.

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