Dazzling Amsterdam : Dam Square

Amsterdam was built on the crossing of 2 rivers, the Amstel and the IJ (check out my previous post https://steemit.com/travel/@marcovanhassel/dazzling-amsterdam-the-ij to see what the IJ looks like nowadays).
Dam Square, or the Dam as it is known in dutch, is where it all began. It got it's name from the original function it had. In the 13th century a dam was built in the river the Amstel. Eventually the dam grew bigger and bigger, until it was big enough to house a market. From there on it was the center of the city of Amsterdam (Amstel-dam).

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This is the Royal Palace on the Dam Square. It was designed by Jacob van Campen and built between 1648 and 1655. Originally it's function was that of Cityhall. Through the ages the Palace has had many different residents: the emperor of France even resided here. In 1808 it was taken into use by the dutch royal family, who still use it for ceremonial purposes.
In the 1960 the palace was opened to the public as a museum. I will not give you spoilers on the interior, you'll have to come and visit it yourself.

Detail of the front facade, adorned with gold-plating. Spot the unicorns!!

Detail of the back facade, with a statue of Atlas.

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Eefje is standing in front of the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), which stands right next to the Palace. It was built because the Oude Kerk (Old Church, on which I will do a post soon) could no longer house all the church-goers of the city.
Nowadays, it is no longer in use as a religious temple, but holds temporary expositions. Also, organ-concerts are still being held here.

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On the other side of Dam Square you'll find this obelisk: the national monument. Every year on May 4th a service is held here to remember all war-casualties since WW II. In the 1960's the obelisk was a hotspot for hippie-gatherings
The monument is flanked by two lion statues, think Trafalgar Square (in London), only smaller:

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You can also find a Madam Tussaud's on Dam Square:

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Next to these prominent buildings, there are a handful of bars and souvenir-shops on the square making it a vibrating place to visit.
I hope you like this post. My next post about Dazzling Amsterdam will be about either the Red-light district or the Old Church. Let me know in the comments which one you would like to see first.

Peace and Love!