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Interesting Facts
- The past is alive and well in Amsterdam – or so its museums would indicate. Said to have more museums per capita than any other city in Europe, Amsterdam takes great pride in its educational institutions. Art, history, religion, and even cats are subject matter for those who visit Amsterdam to learn and to observe.
- Although you may think the three vertically-ordered X's on Amsterdam's coat of arms refer to the sex trade or even to shops in the Red Light District, think again. They commemorate, in fact, more noble circumstances. Some historians consider the X's to signify past disasters the city has survived, including plague, fire and pestilence. Others trace them to the crucifixion of martyrs and believe the X's are St Andrew's crosses – named after the apostle Andrew who was crucified on an X-shaped cross – and indicate charity, resolution and heroism.
- For purposes of orientation, it helps to envision the most ancient part of Amsterdam as a half-moon. The heart of the old city is bordered in a semi-circle by the Singel, one of the first canals. Beyond it (and running parallel) are three of Amsterdam's most picturesque canals, the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. They're a perfect place to take in the city's age-old charm and beauty.
- Much of Amsterdam, through countless years, has been reclaimed from the sea. In fact, the city rests on 90 islands, all of which are connected by more than 1000 bridges. To compensate for the sandy soil, many buildings are constructed on wooden pilings to give them stability. Central Station, for example, is bolstered by 9000 such pilings.
- The "Venice of the North" derives much of its character from the sea and canals. Estimates, in fact, attribute to Amsterdam 165 canals stretching more than 62 miles. Engineering, certainly, has allowed the city to reclaim land for expansion, including the terrain of Schiphol Airport, which actually lies 16 feet below sea level. (The city itself rests about 5 feet below sea level.)
- Amsterdam cultivates a certain charm that depends as much on hospitality as it does on physical size. The city's close quarters demand a measure of cooperation and understanding that extends into brown cafés, intimate streets, and close-knit communities. The Dutch characterize it as "gezelligheid," a sense of coziness and interdependence. It's a feeling you'll experience easily when you give yourself over to the city and its people.
- While searching for a restaurant in Amsterdam, you may be curious to encounter so many Indonesian establishments. Actually, it should come as little surprise. The Netherlands (notably the Dutch East India Company) established a trading presence in the South Pacific as early as 1596 and didn't leave until ousted by the Japanese in 1942. The two cultures enjoyed cross-pollination, and now Indonesian cuisine is a ubiquitous Amsterdam favorite.
- Sure, the problem in Great Britain is figuring out which side of the road to drive on. Amsterdam has no such issues, because driving is not really an option. Instead, you'll walk, bike, or perhaps take a canal bike down the waterway. Either way, bring comfy footwear to get you through, and just think about how shapely your calves will be in the long-term!
- Amsterdam's street-front real estate was subject to heavy taxation in past centuries, so residents constructed long, narrow houses to minimize the expense. Some folks, however, went to the extreme. As a result, the city is home to several of the world's narrowest homes. One, at Singel 7, boasts a front width of only 3 feet, although it opens up towards the rear. Another, at Oude Hoogstraat 22, maintains a 7-foot width its entire length.
- It's no secret that Amsterdam has a history of tolerance that embraces Jews, homosexuals and sex workers (to name but a few). That openness also, apparently, extends to the animal kingdom. In 1988, for example, Schiphol Airport created and premiered a special lounge for departing passengers – of the bovine persuasion. Before boarding (where would they be going?), cattle were served light refreshments.
