The City Of Bridges

A msterdam – a treasure            semicircular canals. On the        trove for people loving         outskirts of the city centre, the  architecture and old            canals finished up in squares,     buildings. Amsterdam is still         where the city gates were          un-spoilt as its heritage has not     located. The squares were used as  been spoilt and is perhaps the        parking places, since vehicles     most important intact historical      were not always allowed into the   city in the world. The distinct       city itself. Amsterdam warehouse   character of the city is its          architecture is unique in the      canal houses which dominate the       world. Most of the state           cityscape. The canals are             controlled monuments are being     connected by over 400 bridges         use as dwellings.                  which dominate the architecture                                          of the city. These canal houses       As compared to other cities        were built as residences for the      Amsterdam is not a city dominated  rich. One very prominent feature      by churches or palaces but its     of these mansions is their tall       very own characteristic is its     facades and a rich globe on top       mansions. The beauty of historic   of it.                                buildings of Amsterdam is largely                                        determined by the style of these   The unique ring of canals was the     buildings, which can be termed as  base on which the city was            “citizens' architecture”. The      designed during the 17th century.     style of the choice aimed at       The prominent crescent shape of       replacing the Gothic style with    the Amsterdam city centre was         its vertical accents and           designed which gave way to a          religious overtones by a profane   number of narrow streets and          Classicist style. The Royal        canals. Fanning out from the          Palace e.g. contains many supreme  centre of the crescent traversed      examples of symbolism derived      the network of concentric             from Classical Antiquity.                                                cannot just ignore the houses on   The many spectacular churches of      the Leidsegracht, Herengracht or   Amsterdam include Oude Kerk,          even Kloveniersburgwal 29 and      Westerkerk, Noorderkerk, The          Keizersgracht 177. One must see    Church of St. Nicholastowering        them to the feel of history        above the city. However, one          seeping over.                      About the Author: Rahul viz recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 for more information on THE CITY OF BRIDGES. Read more articles by: Rahul Viz Article Source: www.iSnare.com