The Golden bend

This neighbourhood is often considered the most prestigious part of Amsterdam. In the 17th century, imposing homes were built here for the city's wealthiest residents. The Herengracht made a bend that gave way to large canal houses of up to 1,000 square metres, as shown in Gerrit Berckheyde's painting. This neighbourhood was home to former mayors, art dealers and sometimes foreign buyers. For example, Göring, the most influential German after Hitler during World War II, often bought art from a dealer based in the Golden Bend. This part of the city is still very popular for its beautiful architecture and central location. Nearby are several museums, restaurants and other attractions.The Gouden bocht, considered one of the most prestigious parts of Amsterdam. As we stroll along the canal, it is fascinating to remember that the imposing homes here were built in the 17th century for the city's wealthiest residents. The famous Herengracht made a bend that accommodated huge canal houses of up to 1,000 square metres, just as we can see in Gerrit Berckheyde's beautiful painting.

Today, houses of former mayors, art dealers and sometimes foreign buyers can still be found here. Did you know that Hermann Göring, the most influential German after Hitler during World War II, often bought art here from a dealer based in the Golden Bend? In the picture, you can see the German coming out of the shop! And at number 466 is one of Amsterdam's most expensive houses of the time. The property was inherited in 1762 by former mayor Joan Geelvinck from his grandmother who was the richest woman in Amsterdam for a long time. Geelvinck quickly sold the property for around 250,000 guilders, which in today's terms would be around 15 million euros. An astronomical sum for the time!

Now let's move on to number 475, which is perhaps the most beautiful house in Amsterdam. From the outside, the home of the van Lennep-de Neuville family does not look so special, but wait until you see the photos of the inside. A veritable museum unfolds behind the doors of this gigantic property.

It is no wonder that this neighbourhood is still very much in demand for its beautiful architecture and central location. In the vicinity are several museums, restaurants and other sights not to be missed.