Amsterdam still shows the architectural grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age in the XVII century, when the flourishing of trade, arts and sciences remodeled the urban planning, new canals that were being dug to expand the city and the richest merchants, and generally the patricians, had their beautiful canal houses built alongside the canals as a display of their social status. On the keisersgracht’s canal (literally Canal of the Lords) some of the most representative canal houses of the time can still be admired in all their splendour.

Their ornamented stone façades are very impressive; however the most prominent features of a canal house front are its entrance, the piano nobile and the distinctive decorative elements like the gables. A few steps above street level, with pillars on each side, opens an imposing door. The main parlour faces the canal side offering great canal views from its impressive, large windows.

The Keisersgracht Bel-etage apartment is a beautiful example of the splendour of the time.

Keisersgracht Beletage Apartment

For more information and reservations please visit ShortStayApartment.com’s Amsterdam page.