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Unusual bar in Amsterdam: article summary
Unusual bar in Amsterdam: the Schreierstoren café
Located on Geldersekade, close to the Central Station, Café de Schreierstoren is housed in a 15th-century defensive tower that has been converted into a café. was once part of the city walls.
It is said that the name Schreierstoren (literally, "Tower of Weeping") was given because, in the days of the Dutch East India Company, this was the place where wives greeted their husbands before setting off on long sea voyages.
Café Papeneiland
Cafe 't'Papeneiland (literally Pope's Island) dates back to the Reformation period, when the public practice of Catholic mass was forbidden. The premises, built in 1642, still conceal a tunnel in the basement. which led to a secret Catholic church at Prinsengracht 7.
This enabled priests to enter and leave the Singel Canal clandestinely. Today, the interiors have been restored to their 17th-century splendor, with creaky floors, a central heating stove and a porcelain bar from Delft with old-fashioned facilities.
Unusual bar in Amsterdam: Café "t Mandje
In 1927, Bet van Beeren, a worker in the Jordaan openly lesbian, acquired the pub at 63 Zeedijk . Bet named the premises "t Mandje" ("the little basket") and transformed it into a safe space for lesbians and gays of the time.
This, despite the fact that at the time, being homosexual was considered a criminal offense. This brown bar is decorated with eclectic memorabilia from decades past. philosophy still holds sway.
Café de Sluyswacht
Café de Sluyswacht is located in the historic Sluyswachterhuisje (small lock): an adorably wobbly building. Jodenbreestraat, dating from 1695.
It used to be the lock keeper's house. Later, it became a hardware store, and for the last twenty years, it's been a café. As you'd expect, inside there's the original stone floor, wooden benches and panelling, a beamed ceiling and shuttered windows.
It's really a taste of secular Amsterdam.
The Vergulden Eenhoorn
In the mid-17th century, Amsterdam's wealthiest residents flocked to the newly drained landscape of Amsterdam Oost to build their farms and summer homes.
De Vergulden Eenhoorn is a historic monument and farm founded in 1702. Today, it serves as a pub and picnic garden. The name refers to the profession of the original owner, a surgeon.
The unicorn was the symbol of doctors and apothecaries because of the medicinal powers attributed to the animal's horn.
Unusual bar in Amsterdam: Café de Ysbreeker
Café de Ysbreeker has always been used as a hospitality establishment in one form or another. The building's facade has remained unchanged since its construction in 1885.
The inn owes its name to the icebreaker operated by the Amsterdam breweries that kept the Amstel open in cold weather. Initially frequented by sailors and locals, it later became the favorite bar of Amsterdam's cultural and political elite.
Today, this historic café is bursting with life. Customers spend hours watching the boats go by from the sunny riverside terrace.
Amsterdam has many unusual bars. I could also have mentioned Ice barI've written a full review of this establishment here. When you visit Amsterdam, don't hesitate to enjoy the nightlife in one of these unique venues!
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