This area was rolling countryside several centuries ago. In the 18th century, wealthy Amsterdammers would pass their summers and weekends in large country retreats on a tract of drained land called Watergraafsmeer. There were once around 40 such mansions, but the last survivor is Frankendael, an elegant, restored Louis XIV–style mansion. There's a free open house on the last Sunday afternoon of the month when you can explore the building. Art exhibitions often take place here.
Be sure to view the house's forecourt with its gushing fountain and statues of Bacchus and Ceres. The Merkelbach cafe sits in the adjoining coach house and its patio overlooks the formal gardens , which are open to the public daily.
