Dam Square

Welcome to Dam Square, where Amsterdam quite literally began. If you look at the image, you can actually see how this was once a real dam in the Amstel River — today there are grand buildings in every direction, but back then it was just a modest earthen barrier holding back the water. The city even took its name from it: Aemstelleredamme, meaning "dam in the Amstel." Not the most poetic origin story, but it worked. 

Over the centuries, different parts of the square had their own names. The western side was called the Plaetse, while the eastern part was the Middeldam. Fish and figs were sold here, and during French rule the whole square was renamed Napoleon Square. But the square also carries heavier memories. 

On 7 May 1945, just days after liberation, German soldiers opened fire on a celebrating crowd, killing more than 30 people. The white column you see today, the National Monument, was placed here in 1956 to honour those victims. Every year on 4 May, the whole country gathers here to remember. 

And of course, dont forget the pigeons. Hundreds of them. Completely unbothered by all that history.