Dam Square, Amsterdam, Netherlands

A dam was built on the site in the 13th century, forming the first connection between the settlements on each side of the Amstel river (hence the name Amsterdam). The dam was built up, eventually becoming large enough for a town square. The area became the centre of commercial activity and government. The Damrak, the former mouth of the Amstel river was partially filled in in the 19th century and Dam square became surrounded by land on all sides.
On May 7th, 1945, two days after German capitulation, a group of German soldiers started shooting into the crowds waiting for Canadian troops to arrive, killing over 30 people and injuring over 100. After WWII the National Monument was erected, in remembrance of those who died during the war.




Local: De Wallen, Amsterdã, Holanda

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