Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The southern part of the square was the divine spot where Amsterdam was founded in
around 1270. Now it's a local hangout filled with buskers; carnival rides add to the fun in
springtime. The obelisk on the east side is the Nationaal Monument, built in 1956 to hon-
our WWII's fallen. The 12 urns at the rear hold earth from war cemeteries of the 11
provinces and the Dutch East Indies.
(
4/9/16/24/25 Dam)
Begijnhof
LONELY PLANET / GETTY ©
5
Oude Kerk
It's an intriguing contradiction: Red Light windows surround the 14th-century church
(which is Amsterdam's oldest building). Inside, check out the Müller organ, naughty choir
stall carvings and famous Amsterdammers' tombstones in the floor (such as Rembrandt's
CHURCH
