Pijush Saptarshi and Anirvan in Netherlands, below DAM Square
Amsterdam , the official capital of the Netherlands, lies on the banks of two bodies of water, the IJ bay and the Amstel river. Founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village on the banks of the Amstel, it is now the largest city in the country and is a financial and cultural centre. As of April 1, 2006, the population of the city proper is 743,905; the population of the greater Amsterdam area is approximately 1.5 million.
Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centres in Europe, dating largely from the 17th century. At this time, a series of concentric, semi-circular canals ("grachten") were dug around the old city centre. Along the canals houses and warehouses were built. The canals still define Amsterdam's layout and appearance today. Many fine houses and mansions are situated along the canals. Some of the narrow brick houses are gradually sinking because they are built on wooden piles to cope with the marshy subsoil.
Although Amsterdam is officially designated as the capital of the Netherlands, it has never been (save a brief period between 1808 and 1810), the seat of the court, government, or parliament of the Netherlands, which are all located at The Hague. Amsterdam is also not the capital of the province in which it is located, North Holland, whose capital is located at Haarlem. See capital of the Netherlands for more information.
Amsterdam is famous for its free-spirited liberalism, diversity and tolerance.
Canal Drive : It is must to know the city, Wonderful drive through innumerous canals was really enjoying. In the above picture, there is 9 consecutive canals.
Museums : We have visited 5 museums in 2 days. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum is the best. It takes much more time , for historic point of view, Anne Frank museum is also very touchy, as it reflects the tragedy of one young girl, during the second world war. The links are given below. Some of the pictures is above.
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands.
The Van Gogh Museum specialises in works by Vincent van Gogh.
The Stedelijk Museum specialises in modern art.
The Rembrandt House Museum specialises in works by Rembrandt van Rijn.
The Anne Frank-House, Prinsengracht 263.
