The canals characterise the face of the Dutch capital Amsterdam. Among the most famous canals are the Singel, a former moat dating back to the Middle Ages, as well as the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Together, these four canals are about ten kilometres long, with an average depth of 2.40 metres and an average width of 27 metres. The oldest canal is the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, dating from 1385, and the longest is the Singelgracht, at 6.3 kilometres. At 31 metres, the Keizersgracht is the widest canal. The total length of all navigable canals in Amsterdam is approximately 75 kilometres.
Only elm trees are permitted to be planted on the banks, as their roots grow vertically and therefore pose no risk of penetrating the canal walls sideways. There are over 2,000 houseboats in the canals, which have electricity and water connections. Today, the canals are mainly used by tourist boats. We also took a canal boat trip. Here are some of the special features that caught our attention. Below you will find the rest of the pictures from this trip.
The Montelbaanstoren tower
was built in 1516 on the Oude Schans canal, sometimes also referred to as Montelbaansgracht. In the 16th century, as part of the medieval city wall, it served as a watchtower over the harbour facilities and the former industrial area of Lastage.
After the tower was no longer needed for its original function, it was given a wooden spire in Renaissance style in 1606, including a tower clock with a striking mechanism. Since then, the tower has had a height of 48 metres. The Montelbaanstoren is popularly nicknamed ‘Dummer Jakob’ (Dutch for ‘Crazy Jacob’), which refers to the inaccuracy of the clock and its chimes in the 17th century.
The Westerkerk
The Protestant church is located between Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. Its tower is more famous than the church itself. It appears in Anne Frank's diary, who could hear the carillon from her hiding place. It is nicknamed ‘Lange Jan’ or ‘The Old Wester’.
At 85 metres high, it is the tallest church tower in Amsterdam. Its spire dates from 1638 and is topped with the imperial crown of Maximilian I. It is believed that the Rudolf Crown, later the Austrian imperial crown, was modelled on this crown. The Keizersgracht, on one side of which the Westerkerk is located, was also named after Maximilian I. In 1489, he allowed the city of Amsterdam to use his crown in its coat of arms, so the spire also displays part of the city's coat of arms.
De Nationale Opera Amsterdam
The Dutch opera ensemble based in Amsterdam won the International Opera Award in the Best Opera Company 2016 category.
Maritime Museum
The museum is located in the Zeemagazijn (Sea Magazine), the former magazine of the Amsterdam Admiralty. This monumental building was constructed in the 17th century and originally served as a warehouse.
The sailing ship ‘Amsterdam’ is anchored in front of it.
The Amsterdam was an 18th-century merchant ship that sailed under the flag of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). It began its maiden voyage on 8 January 1749 from Texel to Batavia, but on 26 January 1749 it was caught in a storm in the North Sea and ran aground on the English coast. It had to be abandoned there. The wreck was rediscovered in 1969 near the town of Hastings. It is the best-preserved wreck of a V.O.C. ship and is clearly visible at extremely low tide, protruding from the surrounding mud. Some of the wreckage is on display at the Shipwreck and Coastal Heritage Centre in Hastings. Between 1985 and 1990, a replica of the ship was built in the Netherlands, which can now be viewed as part of the Amsterdam Maritime Museum.
Pictures from the canal cruise
River Cruise
