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De Dageraad
Following the key Housing Act of 1901, which forced the city to rethink neighbourhood planning and condemn slums, the Dageraad housing estate was developed for poorer families between 1918 and 1923. One of the most original Amsterdam School architects, Piet Kramer drew up plans for this idiosyncratic complex in collaboration with Michael de Klerk. The swirling contours of the main tower have been compared to a butter churn.
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Entrepotdok
The area east of the Plantage was the stomping grounds of the VOC, aka the Dutch East India Company, who grew rich on sea trade in the 17th century. Some of the original façades have been preserved, and the facility has been converted into desirable offices, apartments and nice cafés, with tables at the water's edge.
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Gijsbert Dommer Huis
Look closely, ladies and gentlemen, at the façade of this sober residence known locally as the 'House with the Blood Stains'. As he lost his marbles, six-time mayor and diplomat Coenraad van Beuningen scribbled graffiti here in his own blood, and his unfathomable message - including Hebrew letters and obscure cabal symbols - from the 17th century is still faintly visible. Well-to-do businessman Gijsbert Dommer commissioned this house from 1671, but the mad mayor is better known today.
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Nationaal Monument
This is the Netherlands' best-known memorial to its fallen of WWII, a 22m pylon of concrete and travertine unveiled in 1956. Fronted by two lions, its pedestal has a number of symbolic statues: four males (war), a woman with child (peace), and men with dogs (resistance). The 12 urns at the rear hold earth from war cemeteries of the 11 provinces and the Dutch East Indies. The war dead are still honoured here at a ceremony every 4 May.
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