Probably, on the territory of Europe it is hardly possible to find a more multifaceted and unpredictable city than Amsterdam. "Which country's capital is this city?" - you ask. It is the Netherlands that possess this casket full of surprises. On the territory, half of which is water, the styles, races and epochs of different historical periods of mankind cozied comfortably.
A short excursion into the history
From the Dutch language the name of the capital is translated as "dam on the Amstel river". The first time about the city is mentioned in the act of Count Floris V, where it was said about the liberation in Amsterdam in 1275 of the count's extortions. After only 25 years the city acquires the status of a major shopping center and port.
Amsterdam - the capital of which country, the Netherlands or Holland? There is no difference between these names, because Holland is the unofficial name of the Netherlands. "Golden Age" of the country began in 1648 after the war for liberation from the Spanish yoke. Then the United Provinces began to be created, the Dutch school of painting, whose representative Rembrandt is known, is known to the whole world. In the period of the heyday of the capital of the Netherlands , even Peter the Great visited it.
Amsterdam is a magnet for tourists
This unusual city, literally cut by a system of artificial canals, which are connected by 600 bridges and 70 islands, attracts millions of tourists all year round. Maheret-Brugge and Balouburg are the most charming bridges in Amsterdam. Which country's capital, in your opinion, is one of the four magnificent European cities built on the water? Of course, the capital of the Netherlands. In addition to her, such an honor was given to the city: Bruges, Venice and St. Petersburg.
Life style
It's always noisy, in a crowd it's better to keep track of your things - local pickpockets are famous for their professionalism. Amsterdam - the capital of what country? That's right, the Netherlands, which means that modern sexual trends are supported here. For example, a few years ago it was worth claiming that the rights of a representative of a sexual minority were being infringed, as he / she was immediately given the opportunity to receive political asylum in the Netherlands. Indeed, 30% of the population of Amsterdam are people of non-traditional orientation. All of them live in their own separate world: they eat in gay restaurants, buy clothes in gay shops and go to gay cinemas. The Dutch treat them with respect, considering this as one way to show individual freedom. The city does not welcome motorists, so bicycles can be found everywhere.
What to see in Amsterdam?
The city offers a great variety of historical and cultural attractions, museums of Amsterdam will not leave anyone indifferent. It is worth to visit the heart of the city - the Royal Palace, Koikenhof Flower Park, a museum of eroticism and, of course, the Red Light District, which occupies quite a large territory and is located in the old part of the city. As the reviews say, Amsterdam leaves in the heart of each imprint, brings diversity to life, inspires. Traveling to a romantic country of windmills and medieval castles, incomparable tulips and stunningly tasty cheeses will give the energy charge for a year ahead!