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Further Distractions Vondelpark Named after a famous Dutch poet, the Vondelpark is known as the ‘green lung’ of Amsterdam. It contains 49 hectares (120 acres) of ponds, gardens, lakes, playgrounds, cafés and a bandstand. In summer, there are regular free concerts. At times, palm readers and buskers – African drummers, classical quartets and jazz singers – provide entertainment. Just a few minutes’ walk away from the Leidseplein, the Vondelpark is an ideal place for visitors to get away from it all. Vondelpark, Roemer Visscherstraat Transport: Tram 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10 or 12. Opening Hours: Daily dawn until dusk Admission: Free. Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) Despite its name, the building of the original church that stood on this site was started in 1408, as the congregation had outgrown the Oude Kerk (Old Church). The present structure dates to the 17th century, the previous wooden church having been badly damaged by fire. One of the most interesting pieces inside, is the pulpit. Rising to a height of more than 10m (33ft), it took sculptor Albert Jansz Vinckenbrinck almost 20 years (1645-1664) to create. A close look at the carved ‘rope’ of the handrail will reveal mischievous angels sliding down it. Located next door to the Royal Palace, on the Dam, the Nieuwe Kerk has been used for the inauguration of Dutch monarchs since 1815 – Queen Beatrix was crowned here in 1980. The church is also renowned for excellent exhibitions and it is rated as one of top three exhibition locations in the Netherlands. Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal Tel: (020) 638 6909, for recorded information E-mail: mail@nieuwekerk.nl Website: www.nieuwekerk.nl Transport: Tram 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 24 or 25. Opening Hours: Variable according to exhibition. Admission: Variable according to exhibition; often free. Hortus Botanicus The very pretty Hortus Botanicus is home to more than 800 plants from all over the world. Conducted tours take place on Sunday at 1300, taking 60-90 minutes. Plantage Middenlaan 2a Tel: (020) 625 8411. Fax: (020) 625 7006. E-mail: hortus.amsterdam@wxs.nl Website: www.hortus-botanicus.nl Transport: Metro Waterlooplein; tram 7 or 9. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat and Sun 1100-1700 (Apr-Oct); Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Sat and Sun 1100-1600 (Nov-May). Admission: €3.50 (Jan-Apr); €5 (Apr-Oct); concessions available. Roemer Visscherstraat Also known as United Europe, or Seven Countries Houses, Roemer Visscherstraat was built in 1894, by the architect, Tjeerd Kuipers, with the intention of focusing on the history of European architecture. Lying between the Vondelpark and Leidseplein, numbers 20 to 30a of this street provide a one-minute excursion through seven European cities. Number 20, with its Gothic windows, is based on romantic German architecture. Number 22 is a miniature French Loire château, while 24 is a Moorish masterpiece reminiscent of Granada’s Alhambra. There is an Italian palazzo at number 26, next door to which, with its onion-shaped dome, is a house reminiscent of a Russian cathedral. Number 30 is a Renaissance-style Dutch house, while 30a is an English cottage. Roemer Visscherstraat 10-30a Transport: Tram 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10 or 12. |
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