Unexpected Discoveries in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is full of exceptional, crazy, beautiful and unexpected sights. Most of these are covered in respected guide books but there are still many little-known gems just waiting to be discovered. Here are some suggestions of where to find some of Amsterdam’s unsung historical treasures.
Mischievous carved angels
One of Amsterdam’s little-known prizes is the more than 10 meter high carved pulpit in the Nieuwe Kerk, dating back to the Middle-ages. The carvings were done by Albert Vinckenbrinck who spent 19 years perfecting his masterpieces (from 1645 to 1664). The pulpit resembles a beautiful storybook, with some surprising details. Look closely and you'll see a few mischievous angels playfully sliding down the carved rope leading along the pulpit's banister.
Monsters and discoverers
The Schreierstoren is Amsterdam’s oldest defence tower and it too is home to some special Amsterdam memorabilia. From as far back as 1480, sailors said goodbye to their wives at this tower before setting off on their voyages. A plaque dating from 1569 shows a grieving woman, a departing ship and sea monsters. Another plaque on the tower serves as a reminder that Henry Hudson left from here in 1609 before ending up in New Amsterdam - which is now known as New York - and discovering what he wasting no time in naming the Hudson River.
Touching antiquities
You don’t need to be in Greece to see antiquities and treasures from the ancient world. Amsterdam’s Allard Pierson Museum has a considerable and well-regarded collection, housing the archaeological collection of the University of Amsterdam. One of the most moving pieces in the museum is an ancient gravestone from around 420 BC. The gravestone was probably that of a young woman who died in childbirth. Shown sitting up with her arms held open to take the newborn baby from a servant, she is forever immortalized waiting for her child.
Ghost in the machine
Not many cities can boast a Pianola Museum. What's more, it’s not just the museum itself that's so unique, but also it's unique collection of 25,000 rolls of music. Some of the world’s best composers including Mahler, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Ravel and Strauss and the greatest concert pianists of the time recorded their own work on the punched music rolls. Listening to the music played by the pianola, you could be forgiven for thinking their ghosts were performing for you.
With so many little-known finds, leave your guidebook behind and discover some of Amsterdam’s hidden historical treasures today.
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