Skip to content

Instagram

What is the meaning of XXX in Amsterdam?

  • by

Amsterdam XXX. In many places in Amsterdam you can find a symbol consisting of three vertical crosses. It can be seen on historic buildings, municipality vehicles, flags, crowns, coats of arms, canal houses, drain covers and most noticeably, on bollards (known locally as Amsterdammertjes) which stop vehicles from driving on the pavement.
Visitors may speculate whether the crosses are linked to the red-light district or X-rated shows. Indeed, many shops sell souvenirs that portray this association. However, the crosses have nothing to do with infamous adult entertainment industry. These symbols are St Andrew’s crosses also known as saltires. They have appeared on Amsterdam’s coat of arms since 1505. St. Andrew was martyred the 1st century AD and was crucified on an x shaped cross and was a fisherman. Amsterdam began as a fishing port and all ships registered there displayed the three crosses.

The Narrowest House in Amsterdam

Is this the narrowest house in Amsterdam? It can be found on Oude Hoogstraat right in the centre of Amsterdam, between Dam Square and the Red Light District. A few years ago, I took a canal cruise. The tour guide pointed to a house on Singel canal (Nr 7) and confidently told us that it was Amsterdam’s narrowest house. However, that house looks like it might just be the entrance for a wider house. What do you think?

Leidsegracht

  • by

Leidsegracht was the main route for barges between Amsterdam and Leiden, the city from which this canal takes its name. Leidsegracht marks the boundary between the first and second phase of the canal ring construction in 1658. The canal runs from Herengracht in the centre, through the Jordaan district to Singelgracht (not to be confused with Singel).

Oude Waal

  • by

Waals-Eilandsgracht near Amsterdam central station is well worth a visit. It’s a peaceful oasis even on a busy day in the city.

Prinsengracht Seven Province Houses

  • by

A series of uniform canal houses on Prinsengracht known as “The Seven Province Houses” (de zeven provinciën) built between 1714 and 1725. Each house bears one of the names of the seven provinces of the Dutch Republic in the 1700s. The builder Benjami Dutry was from Nobility and born in the province of Gelderland, which is why this is the centre-most and most ornate house.⠀

Houseboat Museum

  • by

Now visitors can see firsthand what it’s like to live on a houseboat in Amsterdam. The boat named Hendrika Maria is located on the Prinsengracht. It borders the renowned Jordaan district and is just a short walk from the Anne Frank House & Westerkerk.
The museum which was set up by owner, Vincent van Loon, is set inside the houseboat. It’s equal in size to an average Amsterdam apartment and has penty of headroom. The visit gives a good insight into living conditions onboard an original 1950s houseboat.
Visitors are allowed to take photographs and an audio guide is available in English.

Hillegom

  • by

A short video clip of the tulip fields in Hillegom. Really close to the train station and well worth a visit. About 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train.

Damrak Canal Houses

  • by

Warm summer light hitting the canal houses on Damrak near Central Station