Main canals

The canal belt of Amsterdam

Historically, the canal belt also includes the Singel and the Nieuwe Herengracht, Nieuwe Keizersgracht, and Nieuwe Prinsengracht to the east of the Amstel. The oldest of these four canals, the Singel, was originally the western part of the medieval moat that ran from the Amstel along the Kloveniersburgwal and Geldersekade. Subsequently, the other three canals were built. The new canals were given attractive names to encourage wealthy merchants to build elegant houses there. These new canals were named the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht.

The canal belt has a structured layout with main lines. Within these main lines, there was a variation in size, function, atmosphere, and wealth. In particular, the Herengracht and Keizersgracht were intended as prominent residential canals from the moment they were built. The Herengracht, especially, was favored by wealthy merchants and high-ranking officials. The exceptional width of these canals also contributed to their status. Consequently, the water in these canals was not intended for through traffic. Peace and quiet were highly promoted on these canals, both in the courtyards and the buildings as well as in the public space. Functions causing noise, smoke, and odors were therefore barred from the buildings on these canals. Intensive traffic and large crowds were also not intended for the residential canals. While people lived on the Herengracht and Keizersgracht, the side streets and squares in the canal belt served for commerce and its associated traffic.