Square, Plaza sights in Amsterdam
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A
Oudemanhuispoort
On the corner of Oudezijds Achterburgwal stands a distinctive gateway with spectacles over the pedestal. This indicated its role as an almshouse for the elderly, built here in 1601 from the proceeds of a public lottery. It’s now the seat of the University of Amsterdam and closed to the public, although you can wander the courtyard. Note the bust of the learned Roman goddess Minerva over the courtyard entrance. A secondhand book market has operated in the passage since the mid-1700s.
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B
Johnny Jordaanplein
The colourful square Johnny Jordaanplein, was named for a popular musician in the mid-1900s who sang the nostalgic tunes known as levenslied, or tears-in-your-beer-style ballads, which were popular in the district.
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