Sunday, 31 August 2008

City Square

The main square is situated in the very heart of the city of Mons.

It was built in 1450 and is surrounded by lovely 15th-20th-century houses.

This is where a dragon battle called ‘Lumeçon’ takes place every year on Trinity Sunday.

Tuesday, 26 August 2008

Magna Plaza - The shopping mall

the shoppers kingdom
This Renaissance building was designed by Peters at the end of the 19th century.

For some time this was the General Post Office, but in 1990 it was turned into the shopping mall.

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182

Directions: behind the Royal Palace

Website: http://www.magnaplaza.nl/#

NH Doelen Hotel

This is another hotel in the city centre.

Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24 (ex Golden Tulip Doelen)

Price: US$80-120

Website: http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/the-netherlands/amsterdam/nh-doelen.html

Die Port van Cleve

This hotel is in the heart of the city.

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 176 -180

Website: http://www.dieportvancleve.com/

Monday, 25 August 2008

The former stock exchange

the entrance
This long red-bricked building to the left of the Damrak used to be the Stock Exchange. It was built between 1898 and 1903, and named after its architect, a pupil of Cuypers.

This imposing building is considered a milestone in modern Dutch architecture.

Address: Beursplein 1

Phone: +31-20-5304141

Website: http://www.beursvanberlage.nl

The leading Catholic church

Sint Nicolaaskerk
The church was built in 1887. Its two towers and large dome can be easily seen from every part of Amsterdam.

Directions: The Prins Hendrikkade canal

Website: http://www.ns.nl