Netherlands: Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht

The historic urban ensemble of the canal district of Amsterdam was a project for a new ‘port city’ built at the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th centuries. It comprises a network of canals to the west and south of the historic old town and the medieval port that encircled the old town and was accompanied by the repositioning inland of the city’s fortified boundaries, the Singelgracht. This was a long-term programme that involved extending the city by draining the swampland, using a system of canals in concentric arcs and filling in the intermediate spaces. These spaces allowed the development of a homogeneous urban ensemble including gabled houses and numerous monuments. This urban extension was the largest and most homogeneous of its time. It was a model of large-scale town planning, and served as a reference throughout the world until the 19th century. source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 2010

Postcard 1: Aerial View

Thanks to Ms Monick

Postcard 2: Keizersgracht

 Thanks to Ms Cindy. There are about 1800 bridges in the canal area.

Postcard 3: Zandhoek, Amsterdam

Thanks to Mr Peter. Zandhoek is now a Yacht harbour. But back in the 17th century it was a 'sandmarket', where ships would purchase bagfuls for ballast. Many East India Company skippers lived hereabouts, carousing in local bars and enjoying the view over the IJ between voyages.