Dam Square

Originally this square was used as a fish market, during the 14th and early 15th century. It was formed from two squares, the actual dam and the Plaetse, an ancient plaza to the west of the Dam. The Dam gradually expanded until it was large enough to accommodate a market. It became a common place for ships to load and unload goods.

During the Spanish Inquisition of the 16th century, Dam Square was the site of more than 1000 public executions, mostly of which were live burnings of those accused as witches.

And at the end of World War II Dam Square was the site of more horrible tragedy. On May 7th, shortly following the German surrender, Amsterdammers began to gather on Dam Square to wait for the arrival of Canadian troops to liberate the city. A unit of Kriegsmarine, the navy of Nazi Germany, were in a club on the border of the square – they watched as the Amsterdammers began to dance and sing. These Germans began to fire into the crowd, killing 22 and badly wounding around 120. The massacre is part of the reason the Dutch National Monument is placed here.

Many believe tortured souls still haunt this place in the heart of Amsterdam. Reminding visitors and locals of it’s gruesome past.