81, we see the oldest residential house in Amsterdam, built in 1590 as a traditional merchant's house with a beautiful step gable.Īlthough the city was founded in 1275, most of the older houses date from after 1600. The building is a national historical monument.Īt the left side of the canal on nr. The beautifully decorated gable was added in a restauration in 1768. On the right hand side at nr 48 stands the merchant's house 'the three hills' from 1612. In the year 1625, a meeting took place in this building, in which it was decided to found the city of New Amsterdam. From 1624, the building served as the head office of the Dutch West India Company, a multinational which administered the Dutch colonies in North and South America. Behind the square stands the West India House, built in 1617. HerenmarktĪt the beginning of the Herengracht we find the Herenmarkt, a square that now serves as a children's playground.

Even today, an adress on the Herengracht is seen as prestigeous and chique. In the 17th century, the richest merchants and the most influential regents and mayors of the city lived on this canal. The Herengracht is considered to be the most important canal in the city. Amsterdam » Attractions » Canals » Herengracht Herengracht in Amsterdam

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