Amsterdam the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands, the city is in the Northern part of Holland. It comprises the northern part of the Randstad, the sixth-largest metropolitan area in Europe.

Amsterdam is also famed for its canal system, this has been a part of the heritage of the capital since the 17th century, it was based on a ring system of interconnecting waterways eventully merging at the IJ Bay.

Amsterdam has a rich architectural history. The oldest building in Amsterdam is the Old Church, at the heart of the Wallen, consecrated in 1306. The oldest wooden building is the het Houten Huys at the Begijnhof, this was built in the 15th century and is only one of two existing wooden buildings. It is also an example of Gothic architecture in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam has a rich architectural history. The oldest building in Amsterdam is the Old Church, at the heart of the Wallen, consecrated in 1306. The oldest wooden building is the het Houten Huys at the Begijnhof, this was built in the 15th century and is only one of two existing wooden buildings. It is also an example of Gothic architecture in Amsterdam. Renaissance architecture has developed over the last few centuries and uniquely integrated itself into Dutch culture.

Famous buildings include the Royal Palace on Dam Square. The 18th century saw Amsterdam heavily influenced by French culture. Most Gothic style buildings date from that era and are therefore said to be built in a neo-gothic style. At the end of the 19th century, the Jugendstil or Art Nouveau style became increasingly popular and new buildings were constructed in this architectural style. Amsterdam expanded rapidly during this period, new buildings next to the city centre were also built in this style. The houses in the vicinity of the Museum Square in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid show examples of Jugendstil.