Dam

Description:

• In the 13th Century the river Amstel was dammed here and on the banks of the river a small fishing community was founded.  A dam on the river Amstel eventually led to the settlement being called Amsterdam.  The Royal Palace was merely the city hall of the Golden Age, converted to Royal Palace when Louis of France (brother of Napoleon) took over the country and decided to make the city hall his Royal residence.  Up until that time the square was full of buildings, but Louis wanted a better view and had them all demolished, creating today's modern square.  Next to the Palace is the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church); Amsterdam's second oldest church and new only in relation to the Oude Kerk (Old Church).  At the other end of the square you can find Amsterdam's War Memorial.
  
  Today the square is full of street performers and pigeons.
  
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