Autumn on Amsterdam's canal belt by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

The canal belt is the part of Amsterdam's inner city that lies along the four main canals: Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. From the Brouwersgracht, these canals curve more or less parallel to each other gradually to the southeast, make four slight bends and end in the Amstel River.

Built during the Golden Age (1600-1700), Amsterdam's ring of canals grew over the centuries to become one of the most unique places in the world. The network of various waterways was created at the time for drainage and reclamation of land for expansion of the city. If the ring of canals was initially built for practical reasons, later the area grew into a characteristic environment. Wealthy financiers from the trading world put money into building properties along the canals. The Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht were born.

Amsterdam's maritime success in the Golden Age resulted in not only urban expansion but also expansion of trade and architecture. This was marked by the construction of canal houses in the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of the buildings still stand today. Since 1999, Amsterdam's ring of canals has been protected: it managed to secure a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The canal belt, with its 14 kilometers of canals and 80 bridges, is an urban, hydraulic and architectural masterpiece. The systematic planting of trees along the canals and the creation of beautiful gardens immediately made the area a very green city. This planned urban expansion served as an example throughout the world well into the 19th century. Today, the ring of canals is considered a recognizable example of typical Dutch urbanity. The small scale, the water in the city, the numerous bicycles, the lively city center, these are the characteristics of a true Dutch city.