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Amsterdam information :attractions
Jordaan Amsterdam
The most sung about this neighbourhood of Amsterdam. This 17th century district was originally established for the working class, but nowadays, it has become the place for Dutch revelers, students, artists and young professionals. The Jordaan was built during the large expansion of the city in 1612, as a district for the working class and poorer people, one of whom included painter Rembrandt Van Rijn. The plan worked reasonably well until 19th century when overpopulation and impoverishment started.
Around 78,000 people lived in the area at that time (now there are only around 19,000) and as a result, living conditions deteriorated drastically. Things became even worse during Germany’s occupation of Amsterdam in World War 2. Consequently, in the seventies a large modernisation began and the district was discovered by a new generation of occupants which consisted of artists, students and young entrepreneurs. Their presence ensured the area changed from a slum to a district for the rich, with the formation of boutiques, terraces, restaurants and pubs.
