Guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands castles. Castles in Amsterdam

In earlier times, the territory southeast of Amsterdam where Castle Muiden lies was a place of strategic importance. A 14th-century fairytale castle, with spectacular turrets, a moat, and strong walls sits on the picturesque bank of the Vecht River near Ijsselmeer harbour. The views from this castle are wonderful particularly those of the boats in the harbour. Count Floris V of Holland, who in 1275 granted toll privileges to the vibrant new settlement of Amsterdam, built the castle around 1280 and was murdered here by rival nobles in 1296. You can visit Floris’ final resting place in the castle today. The castle is also used as a museum dedicated to Count Floris and the history of Amsterdam. Another nearby castle also associated with Floris V is Radboud Castle. Only two residential wings and two towers still remain from this 13th-century castle, but set in beautiful grounds it is well worth seeing.

Koninklijk Paleis
Address: Dam Phone: +31 20 620 40 60
Website: http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl

Koninklijk Paleis is the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, erected in the west side of the famous Dam Square. It is the residence of Queen Beatrix, according to an Act of the Parliament. Architect Jacob van Campendesigned the majestic building in the end of the 17th Century. He used the special yellowish sandstone from Bentheim, Germany, for the construction and wonderful marble for the interiors. The architect was inspired by the Roman administrative palaces and succeeded in creating a masterpiece of the Dutch architecture, an emblem of the so-called Dutch Classicism. The interior of the palace is splendid and breathtaking with its decorations such as the marvellous sculptures by Artus Quellijn. There is a vast central hall with marble floor where two maps of the world are depicted. One of the highlights of the castle is the large domed cupola, in the shape of a Gog ship (emblematic for Amsterdam). Very impressive are the works of art by Govert Flinck, Jacob Jordeans, Jan Lievens and Ferdinand Bol.