De Jordaan begins at Brouwersgracht, just west of Centraal Station and arches around the Canal Ring between Prinsengracht and Lijnbaansgracht before ending at the Leidsegracht.
The area north of Rozengracht is the more touristy and commercial section though the quieter area south is no less scenic. Traditionally, de Jordaan was defined by the area in which you could hear the bells of Westerkerk - as Anne Frank described in her diaries.
History
The Jordaan was developed in the 17th century for the working classes and the industry needed to service those living more extravagantly on the Canal Ring. It soon became known for radical leftist politics and was home to the occasional riot (including the improbably named ‘Eel Riot’).
By the 1970s, many of the buildings were in disrepair. But thanks to community efforts new buildings were only built when older ones had completely collapsed. With rising rents, many original residents moved to such satellite cities as Purmerend and Almere, making room for young urban professionals.
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten