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Private Golden Age Architecture Tour, local Dutch guide
Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe
$142.49
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
Overview
Step back in time and explore the architectural brilliance of Amsterdam’s Golden Age on this immersive private tour. Wander through the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the majestic Royal Palace to the elegant canal houses that define Amsterdam’s charm. Learn how the city’s 17th-century rise as a global trade hub influenced its distinctive architectural styles, from grand gabled facades to innovative urban planning.
Your guide Anna - the same that is mentioned in the reviews - also lives in the neighborhood. Therefore you’ll gain not only historical insights but also a firsthand perspective on how these monumental buildings are used today. You'll learn fascinating details about the design, engineering, and cultural significance of each building, and hear stories that go beyond what’s found in guidebooks.
It's the perfect tour for architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, and curious travelers alike.
Your guide Anna - the same that is mentioned in the reviews - also lives in the neighborhood. Therefore you’ll gain not only historical insights but also a firsthand perspective on how these monumental buildings are used today. You'll learn fascinating details about the design, engineering, and cultural significance of each building, and hear stories that go beyond what’s found in guidebooks.
It's the perfect tour for architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, and curious travelers alike.
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Private Golden Age Architecture Tour, local Dutch guide
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability depends on seasonality and number of participants. Bookings can not be made for the same day. Please read our TnC’s.
When giving as a gift, your recipient can choose a date at their convenience during a booking process. Otherwise, you can choose one after checkout and voucher redemption.
When giving as a gift, your recipient can choose a date at their convenience during a booking process. Otherwise, you can choose one after checkout and voucher redemption.
Check available dates by emailing us at [email protected]
- Private guide
- Bottled water
Meeting point
Walk towards the Royal Palace entrance on the Dam Square. The meeting point is underneath the golden balcony of the Royal Palace.
Return details
The tour ends near the famous church next to the Anne Frank House.
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Dam SquareThe tour starts with an engaging introduction to Amsterdam’s rich history, the significance of Dam Square, and the city’s remarkable Golden Age. You’ll learn how Amsterdam rose to prominence during the 17th century as a global trade hub, shaping the city’s architecture and cultural legacy. We’ll explore the circumstances and key events that defined this prosperous era, setting the stage for the architectural masterpieces you’ll encounter on the tour.
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Royal Palace AmsterdamDuring 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.
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Huis BartolottiHouse 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.
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TorensluisOn 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.
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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.
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Ronde Lutherse KerkDomes were the hight of architectural achievement during the renaissance period.
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PrinsengrachtThe 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.
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JordaanIn 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.
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WesterkerkThe 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.
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Private Golden Age Architecture Tour, local Dutch guide
Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe
$142.49
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
How it works?
01
—
You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
02
—
We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
03
—
Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!