Dam Square, Central square in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dam Square is a rectangular plaza in central Amsterdam that stretches roughly 200 meters from west to east and 100 meters from north to south. The Royal Palace stands on the western side, while the New Church dominates the northern edge and the eastern side opens toward Kalverstraat shopping street.

In 1270, residents built a dam across the Amstel River to control water flow, and this spot became the core of the growing settlement. Over the centuries, the area remained the heart of Amsterdam as trade and political power concentrated around it.

The name comes from the dam built across the Amstel around 1270, which also gave Amsterdam its name. On 4 May each year, National Memorial Day is observed at the National Monument, and the square has long hosted demonstrations, funfairs and public events. The Vissersdam section, near today's De Bijenkorf, was named for the herring market held there until 1841.

The square links Damrak and Rokin and is the endpoint of Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat and Damstraat; the National Monument stands at its east side, the Royal Palace at the west. Trams stop on the Dam itself, and Centraal Station is about 750 metres north. The northeast corner leads toward De Wallen.

The white stone pillar on the east side is the National Monument, designed by J.J.P. Oud and erected in 1956 for the victims of World War II. Its sculpted figures stand above a circular ring of stone elements, and a metal fixture hangs partway up the shaft. Every 4 May the Nationale Dodenherdenking ceremony is held here.