Amsterdam’s 17th-century canal ring has been added to the World Heritage List, raising the total number of listed sites in the Netherlands to nine. This was announced by UNESCO on 1 August 2010.
Built during the Golden Age of the 17th century, Amsterdam’s canal ring comprises a network of intersecting waterways. The waterways were developed as part of the draining and reclamation of land. Their presence subsequently made way for the area’s characteristic canal-side estates and numerous monuments. The area has been officially protected since 1999.
The City of Amsterdam believes that area's inclusion on the World Heritage List will mean a boost in tourism. In addition to the museums, tulips, clogs and cheese, Amsterdam's canals are one of the city's main tourist attractions.