Traveling along the Canals of Amsterdam Netherlands

 The Astoria Is A Jugendstil Artistic Style Building In The Canal District Of Amsterdam 

The enormous Astoria building was built in 1905 in a popular Jugendstil Artistic Style, popular throughout Europe at that time. Originally it was the bank for the Eerste Hollandsche Levensverzekering Insurance Company. Latter it became the headquarters for Greenpeace for another 15 years. During this time it became a National Historical Monument.  This spectacular building is part of the same group of buildings as the home of Anne Frank, which are all near the Westerkerk Church And Bell Tower.  One side of the building faces the canals where it sits at the intersection of the Keizersgracht and Leliegracht Canals. These are two of the most famous canals in the city. 

Exploring Along The Picturesque And Historic Canals Of Amsterdam

The canals themselves are beautiful and each had to be hand dug and then graceful arched bridges where built over the canals, so they could be crossed on land. The beautiful, narrow, and tall houses were built narrow first of all to be able to save on taxes. The less land you used, the less the taxes.  Most of the wealthier and impressive houses were built on one of the three major canals in the city, the Herengracht (the gentlemen’s canal), Keizersgracht (the knights’ canal), and Prinsengracht (the princes canal.) Here is where you will find much of the Historic National Monument Buildings. 

Most of these houses were owned by wealthy merchants, and the lower floors were used for their shops, workshops and storage. Their personal living quarters would be up several sets of steps, which also protected them from flooding. Also note, that most homes have nice small boats as a pleasant means of transportation. Most of these homes have alleyways, courtyards, and gardens on the other side of the building. This is why it is good to get out and walk the canals, if you are able to do so. You never know what is on the other side, unless you explore. 

Beautiful Daffodils And Tulips Line The Canals On The Shore

The canals were also used for the larger boats  of commerce, which bought supplies to the many shop keepers. You will also see many tour boats which take visitors through the city through the major canals of the famous waterway  system. 

Amsterdam is a city of many sides, and there are so many different adventures to be had. Take time to explore the city in each way possible, if you have the time. The canals offer a whole different history, a story that is very individual and unique.  You have not begun to explore Amsterdam, until you begin to explore the three major canals of this amazing city.

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