With its maze of narrow streets, 17th-century canal houses, rich history, listed buildings, quirky boutiques and bars, the Jordaan is one of Amsterdam's most popular areas not only with the artists and designers who frequent the district, but with people wanting to experience a true piece of Amsterdam. In the Nine Lanes one can buy anything from 1940s cocktail glasses and retro memorabilia to fine wines, home interiors and funky clothes. Noordermarkt is a lively square, hosting weekly flea and organic farmer's markets, surrounded by bars and cafs where visitors can kick back and watch weird and wonderful Amsterdammers at work and play. The district is in the west of the city and is bordered by Lijnbaansgracht on one side and Prinsengracht on the other. The Amsterdam Jordaan is undoubtedly the most sung about, described and romanced town district in Amsterdam. Started as a district for the poor, today it is a favorite place for students, artists and young professionals. This new inhabitants of the Jordaan, together with the people that stayed behind from the early days, made this neighborhood a pleasant place with a mixture of all kinds of styles and activities. Many people wonder where the name Jordaan comes from. The most heard explanation is that the word has been derived from the French jardin (garden). The French immigrants of the 17th century might have called the district Jardin, because the most of the streets of the Jordaan are named after to flowers. Some say that the name has been inspired by the river Jordaan, the well-known water from the holy land. Historian Kannegieter is convinced that the name comes from the French river the Jordanne in the Auvergne. The historian explains that the french compared this polluted river with the Prinsengracht, which at that time also was not too clean itself. During daytime Jordaan blessed with a total absence of tourist honey pots - is remarkably peaceful strolling territory. The Bloemgracht canal is considered to be the city's prettiest, and the Jordaan's market scene offers diversions and temptations. |
