Singelgracht in Amsterdam - Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht
Amsterdam, Netherlands
16.10.2010
Singelgracht, also known as the Singel Canal, is a historic waterway located in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was constructed in the early 17th century as part of the city's famous canal ring and has played a significant role in the development and growth of Amsterdam.
The Singelgracht stretches over 6 kilometers, starting at the IJ river in the north and encircling the city center before connecting to the Amstel river in the south. Along its banks, you will find a charming mix of traditional Dutch architecture, quaint houseboats, and bustling streets filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants.
One of the most unique features of the Singelgracht is its semi-circular shape, which was designed to serve as a defensive moat for the city. It also served as a means of transportation for goods and people, as well as a source of fresh water for the city.
Today, the Singelgracht is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering picturesque views and a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. You can take a leisurely stroll along the canal, hop on a boat tour to explore the waterway, or simply sit and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
As you walk along the Singelgracht, keep an eye out for the iconic Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), a historic bridge that connects the banks of the canal and is a popular spot for photos. You can also spot the famous flower market, Bloemenmarkt, which sits on the Singelgracht and is the only floating flower market in the world.
In addition to its scenic beauty, the Singelgracht also has a rich history and cultural significance. It has been featured in numerous works of art, literature, and even served as a filming location for several movies.
Overall, Singelgracht is a must-visit destination in Amsterdam, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern charm. So next time you're in the Netherlands, be sure to take a stroll along this iconic waterway and experience the magic of Singelgracht for yourself.
The historic urban ensemble of the canal district of Amsterdam was a project for a new ‘port city’ built at the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th centuries. It comprises a network of canals to the west and south of the historic old town and the medieval port that encircled the old town and was accompanied by the repositioning inland of the city’s fortified boundaries, the Singelgracht. This was a long-term programme that involved extending the city by draining the swampland, using a system of canals in concentric arcs and filling in the intermediate spaces. These spaces allowed the development of a homogeneous urban ensemble including gabled houses and numerous monuments. This urban extension was the largest and most homogeneous of its time. It was a model of large-scale town planning, and served as a reference throughout the world until the 19th century.
The Grachtengordel ([ɣrɑxtə(ŋ)ˈɣɔrdəl], "canal belt (girdle);" known in English as the Canal District) is a neighborhood in Amsterdam, Netherlands located in the Centrum district. The seventeenth-century canals of Amsterdam, located in the center of Amsterdam, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in August 2010. The Amsterdam Canal District consists of the area around the city's four main canals: the Singel, the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht, and the Prinsengracht. From the Brouwersgracht, the canals are generally parallel with one another, leading gradually southeast into the Amstel river.
Many of the canal houses in the Amsterdam Canal District are from the Dutch Golden Age, 17th century. Many of these buildings, however, underwent restoration or reconstruction in various centuries, meaning that these building display many different architectural styles and facades.
