History

1200-1585 - The start

Amsterdam was founded as a fishing village around the twelfth century, growing around a dam on the Amstel River. The name Amstelledamme first occurs in the time of Floris V, Count of Holland, dated 27 October 1275. During the fourteenth century, but especially in the fifteenth century, Amsterdam has undergone rapid development, which was the basis for the so-called Golden Age. Only a few medieval buildings survive today, with some examples: the Old and New Churches and the Houten Huis (Wooden House) in Begijnhof. The ancient houses were usually built of wood, a vulnerable material , the famous Houten Huis is no exception to this rule. Although most of the building have been destroyed, there is a surprisingly large number of Amsterdam houses that still have wooden frames

1585-1672: The Golden Age of Amsterdam

The period 1585-1672, the Golden Age, was the pinnacle of commercial success of Amsterdam. Some of the most important historic buildings date from this period as the Board in Dam Square (now the Royal Palace), the Westerkerk, the Zuiderkerk and a large number of "canal houses" including De Dolfijn (Dolphin), De Gecroonde rapid, the Bartolotti Huis, the Huis met de Hoofden (House with the Heads), the Poppenhuis, Kloveniersburgwal 95 (commissioned by the Poppen family), the Trippenhuis, Van Raey-huizen, Keizersgracht 672-674, and Sweedenrijk, Herengracht 462 .

1672-1795: An Age of Gold and Silver

The year 1672 was a year of disaster for the Dutch Republic with the French and English attacking simultaneously the country, the Golden Age ended. However, Amsterdam managed to consolidate its prosperity during the period 1672-1795 in spite of various difficulties. The city remained as an important market and managed to retain its position as the financial centre of Europe. The large number of houses built at this time, reflecting the city's prosperity. As a result, most of the houses located in the center of the city date back to the seventeenth century. Some examples: Huis Van Brienen, Herengracht 284, Vicq Huis De-De Steur, OZ Voorburgwal 237, and Zeevrugt Saxenburg, Keizersgracht 224.

1795-1813: The recession and decline

In 1795 the government of the patriarchal oligarchy was defeated and so the old Republic ceased to exist, soon the French occupied the country. During the period 1795-1813 Amsterdam had a large economic downturn, a situation reflected by the stagnation of population development. Many houses were vacant, and some have dropped due to lack of maintenance. Fortunately some facades and interiors dating from the empire still survive today.

1813-1940: The restoration and expansion

The period 1813-1940 is marked by economic recovery. The increasing wealth has brought rapid growth of population. This development was mainly the result of the Industrial Revolution which triggered a new Golden Age. The city has evolved into an area beyond the Singelgracht. Many working-class neighbourhoods were built at this time. The period 1920-1940 brought a new economic recession facilitated by the 2nd World War, this was a period of extensive damage in the historic city which were later rebuilt and / or recovered. Following the war, unlike Rotterdam who wanted to build a new and better city abounding in skyscrapers, Amsterdam wanted to preserve its history by becoming one of the largest cities with rich cultural and unusual beauty.