Top 10 Amsterdam [antikvár]

Cl ^ E fü "a oJ l/i L < i j Amsterdam Highlights Amsterdam has an appeal that is absolutely unique. It's a vibrant place, a treasure-trove of extraordinary artistic riches, and the living embodiment of 900 years of history during which it rose to become the centre of a huge global empire. After a period of decline, it matured into today's relaxed and tolerant modern metropolis. Elegant and serene, Amsterdam also has its seamy side, and this too is part of its character, as much as its famous network of canals. Whatever you are looking for, this small city packs a big punch. Canals and Waterways iJ Amsterdam's canals - in particular, the elegant ring of three 17th-century canals known as the Grachtengordel - are its defining feature ('see pp8-11}. Van Gogh ^ Museum The Van Gogh Museum houses simply the most comprehensive collection of the artist's work to be seen anywhere in the world - including some of his most famous paintings. The collection also includes works by other 19th-century artists (see pp16-19}. Museum Amstelkring yjThings are not always what they seem, and that is certainly true of this gem of a 17th-century house set in the unlikely surroundings of the Red Light District: tucked away on its upper floors is a rare example of a perfectly preserved clandestine Catholic church. The rest of the museum is fascinating, too - the interior has changed little since the Golden Age (see pp20-21). u Rijksmuseum lidThe country's largest national museum houses an unrivalled collection of 17th-century Dutch art, and much besides. Vermeer's Milkmaid (left) and Rembrandt's Nigtit Watcti are among the star sights (see p12-15). V Jordaan // ^ . ^ / Jordaan \ RAAO Negen Straatjes ii g ltlD5€ • PUIN !kadb \ m '^scht % ri % r •u. 5 s S