Singel
Amsterdam | Landmark
The Singel was one of Amsterdam's original canals, providing the city with both defense lines and transportation routes. In modern-day Amsterdam, it is a regularly visited street with numerous monumental houses, cathedrals, and medieval towers. Some of the most eye-catching structures along the canal include the Munttoren medieval tower and the world’s narrowest house at Singel 7.
This beloved canal stretches out over 1.8 km and connects the IJ bay with the Amstel River. It’s within walking distance of Amsterdam Centraal train station and other highlights like the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).
Subject ID: 161956
MoreThe Singel was one of Amsterdam's original canals, providing the city with both defense lines and transportation routes. In modern-day Amsterdam, it is a regularly visited street with numerous monumental houses, cathedrals, and medieval towers. Some of the most eye-catching structures along the canal include the Munttoren medieval tower and the world’s narrowest house at Singel 7.
This beloved canal stretches out over 1.8 km and connects the IJ bay with the Amstel River. It’s within walking distance of Amsterdam Centraal train station and other highlights like the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).
The Singel was dug out when Amsterdam was still a modest town, without the fame its name carries nowadays. Along with the Kloveniersburgwal and the Geldersekade, the Singel was one of the original canals of Amsterdam. Digging commenced in 1428, and the canal formed the westernmost border of the city until the next expansion in 1585.
The name of the Singel was temporarily changed to Koningsgracht (King’s Canal) in the 17th century to honor King Henry IV of France. Despite massive developments of the Dutch capital, the Singel remained one of the most significant and picture-perfect canals in Amsterdam.
Being transformed into a quarry early in the 1400s, the Singel became a home to some of the oldest houses in town. A fine example of Middle Age architecture is displayed at house Number 2, with its sublimely preserved Dutch windows and stepped gables.
The landscape of central Amsterdam is primarily defined by the Grachtengordel, the historical canal district of the Dutch capital. This Canal Ring is widely known for its nightlife scene and coffee shops, but the canals themselves are quite pretty and worthy of a space on your itinerary.
Though the Singel is a very picturesque hotspot in Amsterdam city centre, it was initially established as a barrier to keep enemies at bay. The different districts of the historic center were connected through bridges – the oldest and broadest of them all can still be found over the Singel canal.
The Torensluis bridge was erected in 1648, spanning over the canal and currently connecting De Herengracht and Amsterdam’s old core. Under the bridge, the barred windows indicate the position of a former dungeon, which still can be visited.
Subject ID: 161956
Subject ID: 161956
