Cafe Papeneiland

Let's start with a fascinating story about one of Amsterdam's oldest cafés: Papeneiland. It is located on the corner of the Brouwersgracht, across the water. Founded in the year 1641, this historic café has an unusual name. In the 17th century, the word "Paap" was used as a swear word for Catholics.Did you know that the name Papeneiland is partly derived from the nearby hidden church?

But there is more! Papeneiland had a secret. In fact, the café was connected to the Posthoornkerk via an underground tunnel that ran under the canal to the café's basement. This secret passage served as an escape route for Catholics in case of trouble. Imagine, in times of unrest, they could flee the church through this tunnel and seek a safe haven. It is extraordinary to think that this café, called Paper Island, was literally a refuge for the Catholic community.

If you look closely, you will notice that Papeneiland has two beautiful facades. On one side, you will see a stepped gable overlooking the Prinsengracht, while on the other side, you can admire another gable adjacent to the Brouwersgracht. These double gables were not only an aesthetic feature, but also a sign of prosperity. The owner of Papeneiland was a wealthy man, so wealthy that he even had to pay double taxes because of the width of both façades, including the lifting beam.

But let us not forget what Papeneiland is also known for. In May 2011, a special event caused a stir. None other than former President Clinton visited the café and stayed for several hours to enjoy the famous homemade apple pie. This apple pie is still a crowd pleaser and is often cited as one of the best in all of Amsterdam.