The Spiegelgracht connects the Amsterdam Prinsengracht with the Lijnbaansgracht / Zieseniskade. On the short canal, which is part of the ring of canals, there are many small, narrow canal houses. The Spiegelgracht canal opposite the Rijksmuseum, together with the adjacent Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, forms the heart of the Spiegelkwartier, a neighbourhood with many antique shops and galleries.
The moat was dug in 1663 after the second phase of the construction of the ring of canals was started in 1658. Previously, the stronghold Amstelveen, with the corn mill De Spiering, lay in front of the spot where the Spiegelgracht is now located. The stronghold that stood just in front of the middle of Spiegelgracht gave the moat a special appearance.
Plans to dampen the Spiegelgracht (as well as the Reguliersgracht) could be thwarted thanks to fierce protests.
I'm Jeroen, and I'll spare you the long introduction. ;) If you're looking for a landscape photo for your wall, you've come to the right place... Read more…