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TheSingel (Dutch pronunciation:[ˈsɪ.ŋəl]ⓘ) is one of thecanals of Amsterdam. The Singel encircledAmsterdam in theMiddle Ages, serving as amoat around the city until 1585, when Amsterdam expanded beyond the Singel. The canal runs from theIJ bay, near theCentral Station, to theMuntplein square, where it meets theAmstel river. It is now the inner-most canal in Amsterdam's semicircular ring of canals.
The canal should not be confused with theSingelgracht, which became the outer limit of the city during theDutch Golden Age in the 17th century. Other Dutch towns also have ring-shaped canals named Singel. The name is related to the Dutch wordomsingelen, "to surround", and comes ultimately from Latincingulum, meaning "belt".
Amsterdam's famous flower market,Bloemenmarkt, is located along the Singel betweenKoningsplein andMuntplein squares. The market stalls are actually boats floating in the canal.
Part of the Singel has developed into ared-light district, with prostitutes offering their services from behind red-lit windows. The area, known as the Singelgebied, is located near Lijnbaanssteeg and Oude Nieuwstraat.Yab Yum, one of Amsterdam's most exclusive brothels until closed by the local authority in January 2008, was located at Singel 295.
The Singel is lined by many beautiful, richly decorated canal houses built during theDutch Golden Age. Notable buildings along the canal include:
TheHaringpakkerstoren tower was part of Amsterdam's Medieval city defenses. The tower stood at the beginning of the Singel, near the IJ. It was demolished in 1829. The municipal government is currently considering a plan to rebuild the tower and adjacent houses. However, this plan remains highly controversial; opponents consider it in poor taste and a waste of money.
TheTorensluis, built in 1648, is an arched and exceptionally wide bridge across the Singel. Now covered by cosy café terraces and a bust of Dutch writerMultatuli, the Torensluis is the oldest remaining bridge in Amsterdam, and also the widest bridge in Amsterdam (42 meters). The Jan Roodepoortstoren tower stood on one end of the bridge but was torn down in 1829. However, the tower's foundations remain part of the bridge. The entrance and barred windows of the tower's dungeon are still visible. The bridge, also known as Brug 9, crosses the Singel nearDam square, at Oude Leliestraat.
Up until the 15th century, the Singel was known as the Stedegracht ("City Canal"). In the 17th century the canal was known for some time as Koningsgracht ("King's Canal"), in honor of KingHenry IV of France, who was an important ally of theDutch Republic during the early part of the 17th century. Part of the canal, stretching fromSpui square to Lijnbaanssteeg /Blauwburgwal, was also known at one time asLondense Kaai ("London Quay") orEngelse Kaai ("English Quay") because many ships sailing between Amsterdam andLondon moored there.
52°22′25″N4°53′20″E / 52.3737°N 4.8890°E /52.3737; 4.8890
Excludesformer canals that have since been filled in | ||
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