The Damrak ends in Dam Square (usually referred to simply as the Dam) where the original dam was built across the Amstel, giving the city its name. It was the central market square where everything happened. it used to be much smaller than today, reaching its current size only after buildings on all sides were gradually demolished. It seems empty now, inhabited by thousands of cheeky pigeons and the occasional fun fair.
The original dam was at the eastern end of the current square, with a sluice alongside so ships could pass through. From 1611 they had to lower their masts to pass under the new stock exchange built over the sluice, which was filled in for good in 1672.
The stock exchange itself was demolished in 1838 and the eastern end of the square is now dominated by a phallic obelisk, the Nationaal Monument. This was built in 1956 in memory of those who died during WWII and who are still honoured every year on 4 May. In the late 1960s the monument was a camping spot for hippies until angry marines chased them away. By the early 1990s it had become seriously weakened by rain and frost and was in danger of failing apart, but it has recently been restored by ... a German firm. The statues symbolise war (the four mate figures), peace (woman with child) and resistance (men with dogs); the 12 urns at the rear contain earth from the II provinces and the Dutch East Indies.
The imposing hulk at the western end of the Dam is the Royal Palace, or Koninklijk Paleis (completed 1665, in use since 1655),
to check. Admission costs f7 (or f5 with discounts).
Next to the Royal Palace is the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church; early 15th century), the coronation church of Dutch royalty. This late Gothic basilica is only 'new' in relation to the Oude Kerk (Old Church), with which it competed to be the grandest church in the city, It was gutted by fire several times, and the planned, exceptionally high tower was never completed because funds were diverted to the city hall next door.
Of interest are the magnificently carved oak chancel, the bronze choir screen, massive organ, stained glass windows, and mausoleum of the city's greatest naval hero, Admiral Michiel de Ruijter, who died in 1676 fighting the French at Messina. Several other famous Amsterdammers are buried here, including the poets Joost van den Vondel and Pieter Cornelisz Hooft. The building is used for exhibitions and for organ concerts, no longer as a church. opening hours and admission fees vary depending on what's on ring the information line on Ir 638 69 09 to find out.
The Damrak ends in Dam Square (usually referred to simply as the Dam) where the original dam was built across the Amstel, giving the city its name. It was the central market square where everything happened. it used to be much smaller than today, reaching its current size only after buildings on all sides were gradually demolished. It seems empty now, inhabited by thousands of cheeky pigeons and the occasional fun fair.
