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 river in the 13th century, which gave Amsterdam its identity. Today people gather here to watch street performers, meet in front of the palace steps, or sit and observe the flow of visitors passing through the open space.
The area is accessible around the clock and works well for a quiet visit early in the morning before tourist crowds arrive. The open layout makes orientation easy, as all landmarks are visible from the center and most public transport stops nearby.
During the 1960s, young people from across Europe gathered here to camp and participate in social movements, turning the area into a symbol of societal change. Visitors sometimes slept on the steps back then, and the atmosphere was very different from today.
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