Thursday 24 November 2011

The rooftops of Amsterdam

"Amsterdam was the first centre of bourgeois capitalism. It had become, since the decline of Antwerp and the Hanseatic League, the great international port of the north and chief banking centre of Europe. Drifting through its leafy canals, lined with admirable houses, one may speculate on the economic system that produced this dignified, comortable and harmonious architecture." (Lord Kenneth Clark)


The canals and the old waterfront houses make Amsterdam a particularly appealing city. Especially the beautifully decorated rooftops are wonderful.

To illustrate what I mean, below are a few photos from my visit last week:




But, of course, it´s the canals that create the special "Amsterdam feeling"
This contemporary canalfront house is an architectural gem
The vintage canal boat Hilda is another gem
The Dutch East India Company cargo ship Amsterdam was wrecked on its maiden voyage in the English Channel in 1749. (The present ship is a replica).
Veteran ships in a nice row

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