Amsterdam - the capital of the Netherlands
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is the largest port in the world and the largest city in the country. There are simply countless interesting places in Amsterdam that are definitely worth exploring. But if you came only for a couple or three days, then it will be damn difficult to make a choice..
Dam Square
Translated from Dutch, Dam means "dam". In 1270, a dam was built here, connecting the two settlements. Later, it was strengthened and significantly expanded, turning it into a real square. It was around her that the city itself was formed. The square soon became a place of concentration of merchants. One side was occupied by a fish market, and the city hall was built on the opposite side. At the beginning of the 19th century, it became the residence of the king..
Central Station and Rijksmuseum
Having decided while walking around the city to examine the expositions of the Rijksmuseum - the main museum of the capital - do not confuse it with the building of the central station. It is very simple to do this, since they practically do not differ from each other in appearance. But they are located in different parts of the city. Externally, these are two buildings built in the lush neo-Renaissance style. The twins were designed by famous Dutch architects: Adolph Leonard van Gendt and Peter Kuipers.
Van Gogh Museum
Here you can appreciate the skill of a genius unrecognized during his lifetime - the amazing Dutch painter Vincent Willem Van Gogh. The exposition of the Amsterdam Museum has more than 200 paintings. World famous "Sunflowers" hang here. In addition to paintings, visitors can see many of the artist's pencil drawings. Among them are his first children's drawings..
Beguinage
Coming here, you seem to be entering the past. Amazingly beautiful houses with facades of the 17th-18th centuries are located at the level of medieval streets. The architectural complex is located one meter below the old buildings of the capital. The owners of the Beguinage are currently the English Reformed Church, but initially the Beguinas Monastery was located here..
The religious movement of the Beguins in 12th century Europe was very widespread. The women of the order led a monastic life, but did not take eternal vows and were free to leave the monastery at any time..
The construction of the Beguinage took place in the first half of the 14th century. Surrounded on all sides by canals, it had only one entrance / exit, which was called "Beguin Alley". While walking, pay attention to the house at number 34 - this is the oldest building in the city..
Madame Tussauds museum
Here you will see Rembrandt, Pavarotti, and Spider-Man - hundreds of figures that exactly reproduce the originals. The organizers of the museum have provided everything to make it convenient for visitors to capture their visit to this amazing place. Next to each of the sculptures, there is a special place where you can stand, sit, or even lie down. The photos are amazingly realistic..
If you wish, you can even visit a miniature workshop and look at the process of modeling exhibits..
Of greatest interest for those who like to tickle the nerves is the part of the museum called "The Amsterdam Dungeon". It accurately reproduces a medieval dungeon.
