Centre Dam area, Amsterdam (attractions and accommodation)
Centre Dam, Amsterdam area guide
The Dam, also known as the Dam Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Amsterdam. The locals refer to it simply as the Dam and it is in fact the town square of the Netherlands capital city. There are many notable and famous building surrounding the area and many large events are held in the square.
The Dam is named as such because it was originally a dam that was located on the Amstel River. Built in 1270, the dam was gradually expanded and the city of Amsterdam gradually grew around the dam and the site soon became the town square of the growing city. It became a national landmark sometime around the 19th century and later turned into national icon favoured by the people of the Netherlands.
The Dam is located less than a kilometre away from Centraal Station, the biggest train station in the city which was erected in the city’s historical centre. It is 200 meters long 
and 100 meters wide, and rectangular in shape. This was the site for many demonstrations and public gatherings. This is where the locals celebrate the annual Nationale Dodenherdenking or National Memorial Day. This is also the site of annual fair every Christmas and Queens Day. In 1956, the National Monument of the Netherlands was built on this site.
Most notably, the Royal Palace is located in the west end of Dam Square. This building is an exquisite example of neo-classical architecture. It was originally used as the city hall but it was converted to the royal residence in 1808. Other notable sights include the:
- Madame Tussaud’s Wax museum
- Gothic masterpiece New Church
- Nieuwe Kerk
- and the National Museum.
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