Private Golden Age Architecture Tour, local Dutch guide

Royal Palace Amsterdam

During our discussion of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, we'll dive into the fascinating history of this iconic building, originally constructed as the city’s town hall during the Dutch Golden Age. Learn how it symbolized Amsterdam’s power and prosperity in the 17th century before being transformed into the royal residence it is today. You’ll also explore the Dutch Neoclassical architectural style that defines the palace, with insights into the building materials and techniques used to create its grandiose structure. You’ll also discover the engineering marvel behind its construction on challenging clay and marshy ground, showcasing the ingenuity required to build on such difficult terrain. From its historical significance to its architectural beauty, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this masterpiece of Dutch design.

Huis Bartolotti

House Bartolotti, located along one of Amsterdam’s scenic canals, is a beautiful example of 17th-century Dutch baroque architecture. The luxurious house, made of striking red brick, boasts an elegant façade with large windows, and intricate sculptural details made of sandstone. The building’s ornate design reflects the wealth and status of its original owner, as well as his strong trading ties with Italy.

Torensluis

On this wide bridge you'll have a perfect view of the four unique façade designs that were popular with the mercantile class of the Golden Age. Marvel at these stunning examples of how the Baroque style was adapted in the Netherlands, with its intricate details and dramatic contrasts. You'll also encounter charming examples of "crooked houses" – a fascinating feature of Amsterdam’s urban landscape, where the buildings lean in unique, often whimsical ways due to the city's soft, marshy ground. This is an excellent spot to appreciate the creativity and resilience of Amsterdam’s Golden Age architecture.

The house’s name, "De Dolphijn," references the dolphin symbol of wealth, reflecting the prosperity of Amsterdam’s maritime trade during the Dutch Golden Age. It was originally owned by Frans Banning Cocq, the captain immortalized in Rembrandt’s famous painting The Night Watch. Its elegant design and rich history makes it a key part of the architectural heritage of the canal belt.

Ronde Lutherse Kerk

Domes were the hight of architectural achievement during the renaissance period.

Prinsengracht

The warehouses along Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht are iconic examples of the city’s Golden Age architecture, reflecting the thriving trade and commerce that defined 17th-century Amsterdam. These buildings were designed with functionality in mind featuring tall, steeply pitched gables, large windows, and wooden hoisting beams on the roof, which were used to lift heavy cargo from ships docked along the canal. The architectural simplicity of the exteriors, with their clean lines and minimal ornamentation, reflects the utilitarian purpose of the buildings, while the grand scale speaks to the wealth and power of the Amsterdam merchants who once used them.

Jordaan

In the 17th century, the Jordaan neighborhood in Amsterdam was a vibrant mix of both residential and commercial life, reflecting the city’s booming economy during the Dutch Golden Age. Originally developed as a lower- and middle class district for craftsmen and laborers, the Jordaan became a hub of activity with narrow, picturesque canals lined by tight rows of houses, many with small shops or workshops on the ground floors. During this part of the tour the focus will be on the "gevelstenen" or "facade stones". These are small, decorative plaques often found embedded in the façades of Amsterdam’s Golden Age buildings. These stones serve both functional and decorative purposes, often communicating how the building was used, the profession of the building's owner or other significant facts about the people living and working there. Many "facade stones" feature intricate carvings, adding a layer of creativity and storytelling to Amsterdam's streetscapes.

Westerkerk

The Westerkerk is one of Amsterdam's most important landmarks. It was originally constructed as a Calvinist church to serve the growing population of the city. The church's large, airy interior and simple, elegant design are typical of Calvinist worship spaces. The Westerkerk is also historically significant as the final resting place of Rembrandt van Rijn. The church's towering spire, completed in 1638, rises 85 meters (280 feet) above the Jordaan district, and is crowned with the imperial crown, a symbol of Amsterdam's status since the 15th century. The tower’s clock, with its distinctive chimes - which Anne Frank described in het diary - has marked the passing hours for centuries. Loved by residents for its beauty and historical significance, the Westerkerk stands as a cherished symbol of Amsterdam’s rich heritage.