Dam Square

The central square of Amsterdam got its name from its original purpose. Before there was a square, there was a real dam on the Amstel river. Today though it is an important national square where many events are organised during the year (Christmas celebrations, various fairs but also demonstrations and meetings etc.).

There is a stunning National Monument located on the square that commemorates the victims of World War II. It was installed there in 1956 and the Remembrance of the Dead ceremony is held there every year.

There are also several important buildings that are worth noticing located by the square – the 15th century Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), the imposing Royal Palace or the popular Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.