Amsterdam’s architectural legacy is largely unmatched. The oldest structure in the city is the Oude Kerk (or Old Church), consecrated in 1306 and is located at the heart of the Wallen. Houten Huys is the oldest wooden building, located at the Begijnhof, and was constructed around 1420s. It is one of two surviving wooden buildings and also one of the very few Gothic architecture in the city.
In the 1500s, wooden buildings in Amsterdam were replaced with architecture made from brick. Many structures were built following the Renaissance architectural style during this period. Structures in this period are recognizable by their façade that ends at the top following the shape of a stairway. But this is really the Dutch Renaissance style. These structures were erected according to architect Hendrick de Keyser’s architectural principles.
Westerkerk is one of the most outstanding buildings designed by de Keyer. In the 1600s, baroque architecture became popular in Amsterdam and also in many parts of Europe. This coincided with the city’s Golden Age. The pioneering architects and designers of this style were Philip Vingboons, Daniel Stalpaert, and Jacob van Campen, A famous baroque building is the Royal Palace, located on Dam Square.
Throughout the 1700s, the French culture heavily influenced the city’s art and way of life. This is mirrored in the architecture of that period. Architects began to abandon the baroque architectural style and then started erecting buildings in different neo-styles. Most Gothic style architecture date from that period and are thus built following a neo-gothic principle.
Towards the end of the 1800s, the Art Nouveau or Jugendstil style emerged and many new structures were constructed in this style. Since the Dutch capital was expanding very rapidly during this era, new structures adjacent to center were also erected in this architectural style. The houses near the Museum Square in Oud-Zuid are fine examples of Jugendstil.
Art Deco was the last style popular in the city before the contemporary era. Amsterdam’s own version of Art Deco was known as the Amsterdamse School. Entire districts, including Rivierenbuurt, were built using this style. A remarkable feature of the Amsterdamse School façades is that they are richly decorated and ornate, featuring oddly shaped doors and windows.
