This Sunday began with a Eucharist, in the presence of Mayor Femke Halsema, among others, in the Saint Nicolas Church on Prince Hendrikkade. In full, the church is called the Basilica of Saint Nicolas. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of the city and still stops by the basilica every year during his entry. Not surprisingly, the kickoff of the lustrum celebration began here. Moreover, the then bishop of Utrecht granted city rights to Amsterdam in 1306.
On October 27, 1275, the town was first mentioned when Floris V, Count of Holland, granted toll freedom to the inhabitants of Amestelledamme. This meant that Amsterdam boatmen could sail all of the county of Holland without having to pay toll anywhere. Floris wanted this to win over the people of Amsterdam. The city fell under the rule of Utrecht, which was governed by the bishop in Utrecht. Floris wanted to increase his power and granted Amsterdam the freedom of tolls to gain more influence over the city.
The Toll Privilege was the beginning of Amsterdam's economic development. Until then, the city still had an insignificant position, both politically and economically, and the inhabitants of Amsterdam lived mainly from fishing and small trade. Now that merchants were exempt from paying tolls, the city gained a substantial economic advantage over other cities. Still today, creativity, innovation and commercial spirit are Amsterdam's watchwords.
After the Eucharist, I visited the Palace on Dam Square, which was free to all (former) Amsterdam residents. Although I had been to the Palace before, I had not really visited the former City Hall with an audio tour before. After the tour, I was given a nice calendar of the Palace.
Tip for (former) Amsterdam residents: also in February, people who live and/or were born in Amsterdam get free admission: https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/open/
Last night was the opening celebration at the Ziggodome, just like the Eucharist broadcast live on NPO. After all, it is the capital's birthday. Despite the fact that Willeke Alberti had to cancel, it became a beautiful party in a full Ziggodome and with beautiful performances accompanied by the Metropole Orchestra on a backdrop with fantastic visuals where the entire city of Amsterdam was beautifully visible.
The first day promised great things for the upcoming year!
