Description Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam - the world's largest city on stilts and at the same time, one of the smallest capitals in Europe in area. Amsterdam - capital of the Netherlands, but the seat of government in The Hague. Amsterdam's beating heart among dilapidated, but exquisitely elegant facades of mansions, built by rich merchants, and bustling urban canals, laid in the XVII century. Its population is a wonderful blend of many cultures: in a city inhabited by people of more than 140 nationalities, all colors and skin tones. In Amsterdam, there is nothing impossible. It's so easy, even for walking the walk or bicycle to travel through the centuries, having been in the dark alleys of the old and the flashing neon boulevards. And looking around the world-famous sights and enjoying the beauty of the canals, you can make up their own idea of cosmopolitan flair Amsterdama.Svoim Amsterdam must also come annually 3 million tourists and almost 11 million passengers in transit.

Amsterdam, as befits an ancient trading city, is located at the mouth of the Amstel River, about 25 km from the coast of the North Sea. Fishing village that arose in the marshy lowlands at the confluence of the Amstel in the bay Hey at the intersection of historical trade routes, became in time a rich city. Foundations of buildings old city buried in the fir piles scored in the swampy, consisting of silt, sand and clay soil. Even Amsterdam's Central Station is on the 8600 wooden piles, reaching the depth of 30 meters and weight of the walls of the Royal Palace bear 13659 spruce trunks, piles.