- Prinsengracht means "prince's canal."
- This is the longest of the three main canals of the canal belt (two miles).
- The city dug this section between 1660 and 1700, as it expanded to accommodate an exploding population.
- The house at 768 (from 1740) is a rare example of a bell-gable house with four windows across; most buildings of this age and type are two windows wide.
- Buy or browse furnishings at Bebob Design (764), which collects "the masterpieces of the most important designers of the last century," including Philippe Starck, Martin Visser and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (of "Barcelona Chair" fame).
- Erected in 1857, the church at 756 reopened in 2002 after a long period of decay and subsequent restoration by Stadsherstel Amsterdam, which has been saving Amsterdam buildings since 1956. Called De Duif ("the pigeon"), the neo-Classical space can be rented for weddings, concerts and other events; it still functions as a church on Sundays.
Turn right on the bridge at Reguliersgracht (more about this canal on the Seventh Leg). This is one of the many humpbacked-bridge crossings with lovely panoramic views. Notice the large, brick square (Amstelveld) on the northeast corner, dominated by a white building, Amstelkerk.
Amstelkerk
- Daniel Stalpaert designed this wooden "preacher's barn" in 1670, under the assumption a permanent church would eventually replace it; that never happened.
- Acquired and restored by Stadsherstel Amsterdam in the late 1980s, the building now houses its offices and hosts concerts and events.
- On the south side is Janvier, a fine restaurant with a huge, tree-covered terrace.
Cross to the even side of Reguliersgracht. Don't miss the red building on the corner (92), which features a leaning facade from 1675 and a curious stork watching over the door (pictured above).
