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amsterdam

Amsterdam

The name Amsterdam was first mentioned in 1275. One generation later, the young town was granted city rights, and from the very start flourished as a trade city. During the Golden Age of the Netherlands in the 17th century, Amsterdam became the wealthiest city in the world, surpassing even London and Paris.

Ships from Amsterdam sailed to all continents, and the city was the leading financial centre. The rich merchants were also great patrons of art - consequently, the 17th century became the Golden Age of Dutch painting, too. The most famous master even then was Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn who had come to the city from his native Leiden.

The 18th and 19th century were a period of decline - yet even today, Amsterdam is the commercial as well as cultural hub of the Netherlands and one of the financial centres of Europe. Since 2010, the historic canal district has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list.