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Amsterdam
has one of the largest historic city centres in Europe, dating largely
from the 17th century. At this time, a series of concentric, semi-circular
canals ("grachten") were dug around the old city centre. Along the canals
houses and warehouses were built. The canals still define Amsterdam's layout
and appearance today. Many fine houses and mansions are situated along
the canals. Some of the narrow brick houses are gradually sinking because
they are built on wooden piles to cope with the marshy subsoil.
Although
Amsterdam is officially designated as the capital of the Netherlands, it
has never been (save a brief period between 1808 and 1810), the seat of
the court, government, or parliament of the Netherlands, which are all
located at The Hague. Amsterdam is also not the capital of the province
in which it is located, North Holland, whose capital is located at Haarlem.
Amsterdam
Pride - Web site
Not
a gay guide, but very informative: Web
site
Held
every June in Amsterdam - Holland
Festival - (Not gay) - It's a theater, music, opera, and modern dance
festival. |
