Amserdam is the capital and the principal commercial and financial centre of the Netherlands. To the scores of tourists who visit each year, Amsterdam is known for its historical attractions, for its collections of great art, and for the distinctive colour and flavour of its old sections, which have been so well preserved. Amsterdam was built on water. More substantively, the city was built on piles - large wooden stakes that are driven into the ground. The piles are driven in the clay, pear and water until they reach the first layer of solid sand.
Around 1420, the town was too small. They lived mainly of the fishing, especially of herring, and of the beer brewing.The economic boom made sure that Amsterdam, with about thirty thousand inhabitants, grew up to be the largest city in Holland. The Netherlands broke away of the Spanish empire during the Eighty Years' War. Amsterdam was on the Spanish side for a long time in this conflict, but finally, in 1578, connection to the rest of the Netherlands was sought. In this time, Holland was one of the most tolerant regions in Europe. During the seventeenth century, Amsterdam's famous canals were created. Tall buildings were built along the canals. Amsterdam still has an unchallenged position as cultural heart of the Netherlands. There are orchestras, ballet, theatre, museums and galleries, two universities and many colleges. Football plays a major role in the lives of many Amsterdamers.
Amsterdam is known for its historical attractions, for its collections of great art, and for the distinctive colour and flavour of its old sections, which have been so well preserved.
| spring | summer | autumm | winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 / 40 | 71 / 55 | 58 / 45 | 42 / 33 |
