This is without a doubt the most visited district
in Amsterdam. You can hardly blame tourists for
sneeking a glance at the ladies of easy virtue
who are displayed in the windows, waiting for clients.
The district is fairly quiet during the day, but
livens up in the evening when the neon signs light
up. The curious public crowd the quaysides accosted
by pimps and dealers. He biggest irony is that
this somewhat unholy district also has three churches
one of which is hidden away in an attic.
Old Church
This church, the oldest building in the city, seems
like an achient ship, abandoned in an ocean of
sin. Its buildings, especially the Gothico-Renaissance-style
octagonal bell-tower, were once used as a landmark
by sailors. It fell victim to the fury of the
Calvinists in the late 16th century and was stripped
of its sculptures, which explains the sparseness
of its interior. It is now occcasionally used
for concerts and exhibitions.
Open hours: Sun. 4-5pm
Tel: 625 82 84
Amstelkring Museum
The attic of this pretty bourgeois house conseals
a clandestine Catholic chapel, which was set
up in 1663 after Catholics lost their right to
public worship. The house itself is also worth
a visit for its heavy Dutch furniture, its tablecloths,
its two kitchen with their Delft tiles and its
many nooks and crannies.
Opening hours: Mon.-Sat 10am-5pm
Sun. 1-5pm
Tel: 624 66 04
Cirelli Restaurant
This former warehouse, renovated with a touch of
imagination, serves the best pasta in town. Make
sure you see the central table sculpture by Alexander
Schabracq and the wonderful lamps.
Opening hours: Everyday after 6pm
Closed Sun. during Winter
Tel: 624 35 12
Geels and Co.
This shop has been selling excellent coffee, ground
on the premise for the last 150 years. The owners
will only be too pleased to show you their collection
of grinding machines and mills on display upstairs.
Opening hours: Mon.-Sat 9.30am-6pm
Tel: 624 06 83
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