{"id":825,"date":"2026-03-01T11:37:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T10:37:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.birostudios.com\/hosted\/arldt\/?page_id=825"},"modified":"2026-03-27T08:55:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T07:55:37","slug":"red-light-district-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Amsterdam Red Light District History"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Amsterdam_Red_Light_District_History\"><\/span>Amsterdam Red Light District History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-19894 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Red-Light-District-History-Amsterdam-e1585820249263.jpg\" alt=\"Red Light District History Amsterdam\" width=\"1000\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Red-Light-District-History-Amsterdam-e1585820249263.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Red-Light-District-History-Amsterdam-e1585820249263-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Red-Light-District-History-Amsterdam-e1585820249263-768x392.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Red-Light-District-History-Amsterdam-e1585820249263-600x306.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Alternar tabla de contenidos\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Amsterdam_Red_Light_District_History\" >Amsterdam Red Light District History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Historical_Origins_and_Evolution\" >Historical Origins and Evolution<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#The_Beginning_Of_Red_Light_District_Amsterdam\" >The Beginning Of Red Light District Amsterdam<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#The_Red_Light_District_History_Between_1500_And_1600\" >The Red Light District History: Between 1500 And 1600<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Hidden_Catholic_Churches\" >Hidden Catholic Churches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Red_Light_District_History_The_Netherlands_In_Between_The_17th_And_18th_Century\" >Red Light District History: The Netherlands In Between The 17th And\u00a018th Century<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#The_Red_Light_District_History_from_1850_till_2013\" >The Red Light District History: from 1850 till 2013<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Red_Light_District_History_In_The_Port_Of_Amsterdam\" >Red Light District History: In The Port Of Amsterdam<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Red_Light_District_History_The_Second_World_War_1940-1945\" >Red Light District History: The Second World War 1940-1945<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#What_About_Prostitution_In_The_Red_Light_District_During_The_Second_World_War\" >What About Prostitution In The Red Light District During The Second World War?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Did_Prostitution_Stop_In_the_Red_Light_District_During_World_War_Two\" >Did Prostitution Stop In the Red Light District During World War Two?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Persecution_Of_Jews_In_Amsterdam\" >Persecution Of Jews In Amsterdam\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#The_Persecution_Of_The_Jews_Intensified\" >The Persecution Of The Jews Intensified<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Jews_From_All_Over_Holland_Were_Sent_To_Amsterdam\" >Jews From All Over Holland Were Sent To Amsterdam<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#The_Hunger_Winter_Of_1944_%E2%80%93_1945\" >The Hunger Winter Of 1944 &#8211; 1945<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#What_Caused_The_Hunger_Winter\" >What Caused The Hunger Winter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#In_December_It_Started_To_Freeze\" >In December It Started To Freeze<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#More_Hardships_During_The_Hunger_Treks\" >More Hardships During The Hunger Treks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#After_The_Hardships_Comes_Liberation_on_the_5th_of_May_1945\" >After The Hardships Comes Liberation on the 5th of May 1945<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Amsterdams_Red_Light_District_History_1950s_Till_Today\" >Amsterdam&#8217;s Red Light District History: 1950&#8217;s Till Today<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Red_Light_District_History_Belle\" >Red Light District History: Belle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Red_Light_District_History_Amsterdams_Oldest_House\" >Red Light District History: Amsterdam&#8217;s Oldest House<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#How_Did_Amsterdam_Get_its_Canals\" >How Did Amsterdam Get its Canals?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Historical_Amsterdam_Canals_Map\" >Historical Amsterdam Canals Map<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#How_to_Visit_the_Amsterdam_Red_Light_District_Today\" >How to Visit the Amsterdam Red Light District Today<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Moulin_Rouge_in_Amsterdams_Historic_Heart\" >Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam&#8217;s Historic Heart<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#From_History_to_Today_How_Sex_Work_in_Amsterdam_Has_Evolved\" >From History to Today: How Sex Work in Amsterdam Has Evolved<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#When_did_the_Red_Light_District_in_Amsterdam_first_become_known_for_sex_work\" >When did the Red Light District in Amsterdam first become known for sex work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#How_has_the_Red_Light_District_changed_over_time\" >How has the Red Light District changed over time?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#What_historical_buildings_can_be_found_in_the_Red_Light_District\" >What historical buildings can be found in the Red Light District?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#4_How_did_World_War_II_affect_the_Red_Light_District\" >4. How did World War II affect the Red Light District?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#5_What_role_did_the_Red_Light_District_play_in_the_development_of_Amsterdams_liberal_policies\" >5. What role did the Red Light District play in the development of Amsterdam&#8217;s liberal policies?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/#6_How_have_recent_laws_and_regulations_impacted_the_historical_landscape_of_the_Red_Light_District\" >6. How have recent laws and regulations impacted the historical landscape of the Red Light District?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Last Updated: 27 March, 2026.<\/p>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historical_Origins_and_Evolution\"><\/span>Historical Origins and Evolution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Red Light District, known locally as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/de-wallen-amsterdam\/\">De Wallen<\/a>, is not only a major tourist attraction in Amsterdam but also a historical part of the city with a rich past. Tracing back to the 14th century, the area began gaining notoriety for its brothels in the 17th century, during<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dutch_Golden_Age\" rel=\"noopener\"> Amsterdam&#8217;s Golden Age<\/a> when the city was a major harbor for goods and sailors.<\/p>\n<p>Over the centuries, the district has mirrored the city&#8217;s economic fortunes and social attitudes towards sex work. Understanding the evolution of the Red Light District provides insight into broader societal changes in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.<\/p>\n<p>The transformation of the district reflects shifts in government policy, social norms, and economic pressures. From its early days as a haven for sailors, the area has become a symbol of Dutch liberalism and tolerance. However, this evolution has not been without controversy and challenges, as debates over morality, public health, and the rights of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/sex-workers\/\">sex workers<\/a> have changed the district&#8217;s landscape over time.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Beginning_Of_Red_Light_District_Amsterdam\"><\/span><strong id=\"beginning-of\">The Beginning Of Red Light District Amsterdam<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This part of Amsterdam is lively, cheerful and it can be a bit noisy now and then. Maybe it was also that way back then, when it all began. Since <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/information\/prostitution-in-holland\/\" rel=\"noopener\">prostitution<\/a> is one of world&#8217;s oldest professions, it was already around back in 1200. When Amsterdam was no more than two lines of wooden houses, together forming the first canal. With at one end of it the harbour, exactly where Amsterdam&#8217;s Central Station now can be found. From 1200 and onwards it as trade that made Amsterdam.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Jan-van-Heijden-Painting-Oudezijds-Voorburgwal-1670-smaller.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/tour\/red-light-district-audio-tour\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7087 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Jan-van-Heijden-Painting-Oudezijds-Voorburgwal-1670-smaller-e1585818590225.jpg\" alt=\"netherlands red light district history\" width=\"987\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Jan-van-Heijden-Painting-Oudezijds-Voorburgwal-1670-smaller-e1585818590225.jpg 987w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Jan-van-Heijden-Painting-Oudezijds-Voorburgwal-1670-smaller-e1585818590225-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Jan-van-Heijden-Painting-Oudezijds-Voorburgwal-1670-smaller-e1585818590225-600x426.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Jan-van-Heijden-Painting-Oudezijds-Voorburgwal-1670-smaller-e1585818590225-768x545.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><em>A<\/em><em>msterdam, Red Light District, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, year 1670.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h4>De Wallen Amsterdam<\/h4>\n<p><strong><em>Did you know that<\/em><\/strong> the Dutch don&#8217;t call this area the Red Light District? In the Netherlands, this area is known as &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/de-wallen-amsterdam\/\">De Wallen<\/a>&#8220;. In the early growth days of Amsterdam it was enclosed and protected by earthen walls. That is the origin of the name &#8220;De Wallen&#8221; for this area. De Wallen immediately refers to sex and prostitution in Holland, and it has been so for hundreds of years.<\/p>\n<p>Important street names in the Red Light District are for example the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/oudezijds-achterburgwal\/\">Oudezijds Achterburgwal<\/a>.\u00a0As you can see, these street names end on &#8220;wal&#8221;. The Dutch plural for &#8220;wal&#8221; is &#8220;wallen&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6299 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-De-Oudezijds-Armsteeg-1895-small-e1585817164416.jpg\" alt=\"history behind red light district\" width=\"555\" height=\"452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-De-Oudezijds-Armsteeg-1895-small-e1585817164416.jpg 555w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-De-Oudezijds-Armsteeg-1895-small-e1585817164416-300x244.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 555px) 100vw, 555px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><em>Amsterdam, Red Light District, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, 1895.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Amongst other things, in the earliest beginnings of the town, fishery was bringing in a lot of money. Later shipping of timber and even later the trade in Far East spices (cinnamon, pepper, clove etc.) and tea and coffee brought in huge amounts of money. Amsterdam stored it all in the now famous ware houses, which were part of the living quarters of the a traders. One can see these houses at the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Brouwersgracht\" rel=\"noopener\">Brouwersgracht<\/a> for instance. They are recognisable by their characteristic wooden hatches at the front.<\/p>\n<p><strong id=\"street-names\">Red Light District History: Street Names<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6301 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Gebed-zonder-End-1892-small-e1585817206289.jpg\" alt=\"netherlands red light district history\" width=\"538\" height=\"652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Gebed-zonder-End-1892-small-e1585817206289.jpg 538w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Gebed-zonder-End-1892-small-e1585817206289-248x300.jpg 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 538px) 100vw, 538px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><em>A<\/em><em>msterdam, Gebed zonder end street, year 1892.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Street names like &#8216;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/4xqEMKvgXzwQN5oq8\" rel=\"noopener\">Gebed zonder end<\/a>&#8216; (<em>translated:\u00a0Prayer-Without-End<\/em>) and Monnikenstraat (<em>Monks street<\/em>) are pretty contradictory to the scenes you get to see nowadays. The Monks Street in Amsterdam is named after the Grey Monks Monastery that used to be located in the Red Light District.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Bloedstraat-1890.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7056 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Bloedstraat-1890-e1585817244257.jpg\" alt=\"history of red light district amsterdam - The Blood Street (Bloedstraat) in 1890\" width=\"350\" height=\"408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Bloedstraat-1890-e1585817244257.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Bloedstraat-1890-e1585817244257-257x300.jpg 257w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><br \/>\n<em><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Amsterdam, Red Light District, Bloedstraat, 1890.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Blood Street<\/strong> (Dutch: Bloedstraat) is a short and narrow street in Amsterdam&#8217;s Red Light District. The street is located between\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/information\/nieuwmarkt\/\">Nieuwmarkt<\/a> and\u00a0Oudezijds Achterburgwal Street. Amsterdam used to have 20 monasteries. Nowadays, the Bloedstraat is also known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/blue-light-district-amsterdam\/\">Blue Light District<\/a> where several transgender <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/sex-workers\/\">sex workers<\/a> rent window brothels.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Since 1464<\/strong>, the Franciscan monastery and the so called &#8220;Vroedschap&#8221; church of the Gray Monks\u00a0were\u00a0located in this street. The Franciscan monastery was the largest men convent in Amsterdam. It was destroyed in 1578 and then on January 7, 1588 the town council decided to tear down the church too. Therefore, the Blood Street arose\u00a0on the perimeter and next to it\u00a0the <strong>Monk Street<\/strong> (Dutch: Monnikenstraat). The Blood Street in the Red Light District\u00a0refers to the former blood chamber\u00a0of the monastery which might also have served as a torture chamber.<\/p>\n<p>According to historian Melchior Fokkens,\u00a0<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fernando_\u00c1lvarez_de_Toledo,_3rd_Duke_of_Alba\" rel=\"noopener\">Alva<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; a Spanish general and governor of the Netherlands\u00a0&#8211; \u00a0kept his\u00a0&#8220;blood counsel&#8221; on what&#8217;s now The Blood Street.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7065 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Blood-Street-Alva-Year-1573-Made-in-1887-small-e1585817275966.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Red Light District History: Alva had his blood council on the Blood Street\" width=\"525\" height=\"333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Blood-Street-Alva-Year-1573-Made-in-1887-small-e1585817275966.jpg 525w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Blood-Street-Alva-Year-1573-Made-in-1887-small-e1585817275966-300x190.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Amsterdam, 1573. Alva&#8217;s last ride through\u00a0the city.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Amsterdam was a very religious city back then. But it was also a trade point, a raw place with prostitution, sailors and criminality.\u00a0Nowadays, the Blood Street is filled with window brothels which have red and blue lights. Wanna know who uses the blue lights? Join our tour and our local guide will tell you.<\/p>\n<h5>Kreupelsteeg in Amsterdam<\/h5>\n<p>The Kreupelsteeg (English: cripple alley) is named after the cripples who came here hoping to be cured.\u00a0It&#8217;s located in the heart of the Red Light District.<\/p>\n<h5>Koestraat in Amsterdam<\/h5>\n<p>In 1450, the Bethani\u00ebn monastery (Bethani\u00ebn klooster) was built here. Between what&#8217;s now the Barndesteeg and the Bethanienstraat. It was built for Augustinian nuns and fallen women. Prostitutes who were \u201csaved\u201d or those who wanted to stop, could find here a refuge. In the 16th-century this monastery had a money problem and they had to sell a part of their ground. First at the Bethani\u00ebnstraat in 1506 and 19 years later the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/KnfpAzFLswxHPXPo9\" rel=\"noopener\">Koestraat<\/a> (Cow street) was constructed right through the complex and became a public street. Koestraat is named after the cattle the nuns kept for their meat. The stables were on that side of the monastery.<\/p>\n<h5>Warmoesstraat in Amsterdam<\/h5>\n<p>At the flanks of the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Warmoesstraat\" rel=\"noopener\">Warmoesstraat<\/a> (English: Warmoes Street), Amsterdammers had kitchen gardens (moes literally\u00a0means chard or vegetable). But since say the year 1600, only houses were built here. Ground had more value with a house on it since the city was growing and the need for houses was high.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7071 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Warmoesstraat-1905-small-e1585816777263.jpg\" alt=\"history behind red light district\" width=\"480\" height=\"677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Warmoesstraat-1905-small-e1585816777263.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Warmoesstraat-1905-small-e1585816777263-213x300.jpg 213w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The photo above was taken in 1905. It shows the back of a house that was located on the Warmoesstraat. Around this time, lots of houses were in really bad shape. Like the one on the photo. These house weren&#8217;t properly isolated and very unhygienic.<\/p>\n<p>The Red Light District is\u00a0the oldest part of town and the Warmoes Street is the oldest street of Amsterdam.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/history-of-amsterdam\/old-church\/\" title=\"Old Church\">The Old Church<\/a> (De Oude Kerk), the oldest still existing church of Amsterdam. It dates from <strong>1200-1300.<\/strong> It&#8217;s located in the middle of the area, just next to the Warmoes Street.<\/p>\n<h4>The Miracle Of Amsterdam<\/h4>\n<p>Amsterdam has had its own true miracle. Around 1350 there was a fire. A catholic wafer [hostie] was in the midst of it, but didn\u2019t burn: The Miracle of Amsterdam was born. Many came here as a pilgrim, even a Pope and an Emperor. Amsterdam became a holy place.<\/p>\n<h4>Oudezijds Kolk Or Kolksluis (Kolk Sluice)<\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8080 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Oudezijds-Kolk-small-e1585816229414.jpg\" alt=\"history behind red light district\" width=\"987\" height=\"702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Oudezijds-Kolk-small-e1585816229414.jpg 987w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Oudezijds-Kolk-small-e1585816229414-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Oudezijds-Kolk-small-e1585816229414-600x427.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Oudezijds-Kolk-small-e1585816229414-768x546.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Painting from 1839 inspired on the Kolk Sluice in Amsterdam.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>This is one of Amsterdam\u2019s oldest, still functioning, sluice &#8211; dating from the Middle Ages, first half 14th C. Technically, the &#8216;kolk&#8217; is the area between both pairs of sluice doors.\u00a0In times past the &#8216;Kolksluis&#8217; was part of a system of sluices, that had two main functions: a. protect against high tide; b. help refresh the water in the canal system.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Red_Light_District_History_Between_1500_And_1600\"><\/span><strong id=\"history-1500-1600\">The Red Light District History: Between 1500 And 1600<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Until 1578 the area known as Oude Zijde was characterised by the many monasteries. After the Alteration in that same year the convents were given a new destination by the city government, like a prison or orphanage. The alteration meant that\u00a0 Holland threw off the reign by Emperors or Kings {Philip II of Spain was the Landlord of the low countries as from 1555} and went on as a Republic. The Netherlands had to fight for 80 long years to achieve this. In 1648 Holland was acknowledged its own, separate Republic by the rest of Europe in the Treaty of Munster, where all of continental Europe was rearranged.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hidden_Catholic_Churches\"><\/span>Hidden Catholic Churches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The building &#8220;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/entertainment\/our-lord-in-the-attic\/\" title=\"Our Lord in the Attic\">Our Lord At The Attic<\/a>&#8221; (Onze Lieve Heer Op Solder) on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40 has a complete hidden catholic church\u00a0in its attic. It was a house that was build in the year 1550 and owned by a true catholic, who freed the whole floor to be dedicated to the service of God. Complete with chairs for the rich (the poor had to stand up) and pulpit for the priest.\u00a0Now it\u2019s a really nice museum. One can also see how life was in such a house around 1600.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Museum-Our-Lord-in-the-Attic-inside-small.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/entertainment\/our-lord-in-the-attic\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20505 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hidden-church-museum.jpg\" alt=\"netherlands red light district history\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hidden-church-museum.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hidden-church-museum-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hidden-church-museum-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hidden-church-museum-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<em>Our Lord In The Attic<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Red_Light_District_History_The_Netherlands_In_Between_The_17th_And_18th_Century\"><\/span><strong id=\"history-17-18\">Red Light District History: The Netherlands In Between The 17th And\u00a018th Century<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>From the year 1666 the Netherlands turned protestant when the so called Statue Storm (Dutch: Beeldenstorm) took place all over Southern and Northern parts of the low lands. The south was formed by now Belgians cities like Antwerp, Brussels and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/toursinamsterdam.com\/tour\/bruges-tour-from-amsterdam\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Brugge<\/a>. From then on Catholicism had a hard time, it was even forbidden. But like always in Holland, it was winked at, and the Catholics could have their service at secret places. As long as they didn\u2019t make fuss.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7063 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Casanova-e1585816815810.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Red Light District History: Casanova visits the Netherlands\" width=\"332\" height=\"406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Casanova-e1585816815810.jpg 332w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-History-Casanova-e1585816815810-245x300.jpg 245w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In 1758 the famous Italian fraud and womanizer Casanova visited Amsterdam and also &#8220;De Wallen&#8221;, the Red Light District, since he was obsessed with sex.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Red_Light_District_History_from_1850_till_2013\"><\/span><strong id=\"history-1850-2013\">The Red Light District History: from 1850 till 2013<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In Victorian times, prostitution was illegal. But of course the men could still get their satisfaction secretly, in brothels, inns and taverns. There was always a woman, known for her easy ways.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-The-Old-Church-Oudezijds-Voorburgwal-januari-1886-small.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4182 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-The-Old-Church-Oudezijds-Voorburgwal-januari-1886-small-e1585816849381.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Red Light District History. &quot;De Wallen&quot; in 1886 in front of the Old Church.\" width=\"551\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-The-Old-Church-Oudezijds-Voorburgwal-januari-1886-small-e1585816849381.jpg 551w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-The-Old-Church-Oudezijds-Voorburgwal-januari-1886-small-e1585816849381-300x191.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 551px) 100vw, 551px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><em>January 1886. \u00a0Amsterdam&#8217;s Red Light District, just next to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/history-of-amsterdam\/old-church\/\">The Old Church<\/a>.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The picture above was taken in the 19th-century. You see two women and a man with a derby walking through the neighborhood. What&#8217;s interesting to know about this photo is that all the buildings in the back are still here this very day.<\/p>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1762 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Oudekerksplein-15-mei-1894-Jacob-Olie-small.jpg\" alt=\"netherlands red light district history\" width=\"556\" height=\"559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Oudekerksplein-15-mei-1894-Jacob-Olie-small.jpg 556w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Oudekerksplein-15-mei-1894-Jacob-Olie-small-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Oudekerksplein-15-mei-1894-Jacob-Olie-small-298x300.jpg 298w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px\" \/><\/em><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Amsterdam, Red Light District, Old Church Square, 5th of May in 1894.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Old Church is the oldest building in Amsterdam. It stands in the heart of the Red Light District and is surrounded by window brothels, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/entertainments\/bars-in-red-light-amsterdam\/\">cafes<\/a>, restaurants and normal residential houses.<\/p>\n<p>The picture above was taken by a famous Dutch photographer of that time: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jacob_Olie\" rel=\"noopener\">Jacob Olie<\/a>. He shot this photo on a sunny day in 1894, as you can see by the man in the back\u00a0who tries to block the sunlight with his hand. In those days, people had to stand very still to guarantee a sharp photograph.<\/p>\n<h5>The year 1901 till 1910<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Oudekerksplein-TF-Simon-small.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1776 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Oudekerksplein-TF-Simon-small-e1585816890607.jpg\" alt=\"history of red light district\" width=\"546\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Oudekerksplein-TF-Simon-small-e1585816890607.jpg 546w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Oudekerksplein-TF-Simon-small-e1585816890607-300x187.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 546px) 100vw, 546px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Old Church Square between 1900 &#8211; 1910. This picture was shot by Tavik Frantisek Simon.<\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><em>The Old Church Square in Amsterdam is one of the highlights during our tours.\u00a0Get\u00a0to know more about this fascinating area and see how the church is surrounded by brothels, cafes, restaurants and even a kindergarten.<\/em><\/p>\n<a class=\"maxbutton-16 maxbutton maxbutton-book-a-tour\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"CLICK HERE!\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\"><span class='mb-text'>BOOK A TOUR &gt;<\/span><\/a>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20499 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/1905-Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Prostitutes-Pimp-Brothel.jpg\" alt=\"red light district history amsterdam\" width=\"1200\" height=\"623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/1905-Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Prostitutes-Pimp-Brothel.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/1905-Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Prostitutes-Pimp-Brothel-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/1905-Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Prostitutes-Pimp-Brothel-1024x532.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/1905-Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Prostitutes-Pimp-Brothel-768x399.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/1905-Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Prostitutes-Pimp-Brothel-600x312.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>A<\/em><em>msterdam, year 1905. Two prostitutes sitting in front of a house waiting for customers.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Fun fact:<\/strong><\/em> Another word for street prostitute is &#8216;street daisy&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The picture is above is very unique and special! It took us quite a long time to find this photo.\u00a0The reason why it&#8217;s so special is because it really shows how prostitution took place back in 1905. The prostitutes wore long dresses,\u00a0sat in front of houses and waited for customers. In those years, the ladies were also known as &#8216;street daisies&#8217; (Dutch: Straatmadeliefjes). The man on the picture is most likely a pimp,\u00a0which was quite normal in\u00a0that time. He took care of\u00a0the customers and handled aggressive customers when necessary.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Fun fact:<\/strong><\/em> Another word for pimp is &#8216;souteneur&#8217;. It&#8217;s a French word and stems from &#8216;soutenir&#8217;, meaning &#8216;support&#8217; or &#8216;defend&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Red_Light_District_History_In_The_Port_Of_Amsterdam\"><\/span>Red Light District History: In The Port Of Amsterdam<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The famous Flemish singer <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jacques_Brel\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Wikipedia Jacques Brel\">Jacques Brel<\/a> sang an evenly famous song\u00a0 \u201c<a href=\"http:\/\/youtu.be\/n2kkr0e_dTQ\" title=\"Jacques Brel - Dans le port d'Amsterdam\">In the Port of Amsterdam<\/a>\u201d describing the raw atmosphere and actions of the sailors and prostitutes. The song was a true tribute to them. The port was adjacent to Amsterdam&#8217;s Red Light District.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In the 30ies of the 20<sup>th<\/sup> century<\/strong>, window prostitution appeared. Before window prostitution there were brothels or whores picked you up in an inn to go elsewhere or to a room in the inn. Prostitutes were not allowed by the police to lure clients in the door-opening, but were allowed to sit behind the window\u00a0and do the same, with the curtains almost closed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Red_Light_District_History_The_Second_World_War_1940-1945\"><\/span><strong id=\"world-war-2\">Red Light District History: The Second World War 1940-1945<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>On May 15 1940, the day after the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/German_bombing_of_Rotterdam\">bombing of Rotterdam<\/a>, the Dutch military surrendered. The government and the royal family had escaped to London and went into exile.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20500 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-world-war-2.jpg\" alt=\"history behind red light district second world war\" width=\"1802\" height=\"1045\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-world-war-2.jpg 1802w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-world-war-2-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-world-war-2-1024x594.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-world-war-2-768x445.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-world-war-2-1536x891.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-world-war-2-600x348.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1802px) 100vw, 1802px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Amsterdammers look at German War Planes in the sky, May 10th 1940. Picture by Sem Presser.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In the early days of the German occupation daily life continued as normal, even in the Red Light District. Police station <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/warmoesstraat\/\">Warmoesstraat<\/a> remained open and no police officers quit their job. The same was true for the civil servants at city hall. \u2018People bided their time, which is a pretty common characteristic of civil servants\u2019 Stated Frans Hupsch in 1994, editor of a Dutch newspaper \u2018Gemeenteblad\u2019. Soon after the Red Light District experienced the consequences of war and occupation. International trade ground to a halt, which had dramatic consequences for the tea, coffee and tobacco companies in the area. What did flourish was the shadow economy. There were two of these \u2018markets\u2019, one on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/amsterdam-zeedijk\/\">Zeedijk<\/a> and one on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/information\/nieuwmarkt\/\">Nieuwmarkt<\/a>. anything could be bought there but only for exorbitantly high prices. One kilo of potatoes would cost 6,50 Guilders, a pound of lard cost 55 Guilders, this at a time when the average weekly salary was between 30, &#8211; and 40, &#8211; Guilders.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11791\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/German-Soldier-Second-World-War.jpg\" alt=\"history behind red light district world war 2\" width=\"680\" height=\"417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/German-Soldier-Second-World-War.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/German-Soldier-Second-World-War-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/German-Soldier-Second-World-War-768x471.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><br \/>\n<em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Amsterdam, Prins Hendrikkade, May 1940.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">German soldiers cycle in a group, just next to the Red Light District.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_About_Prostitution_In_The_Red_Light_District_During_The_Second_World_War\"><\/span>What About Prostitution In The Red Light District During The Second World War?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The prostitution industry too got in a slump. A curfew was put in place by the Germans, which meant that there was no money to be made during the evening or night. Invitingly illuminated windows were also out of order because of the enforced blackout every night. In addition, the Red Light District was quickly banned for entertainment-seeking German soldiers. Occupant Nel Hoenderdos saw on the Zeedijk how SS officers with &#8220;big guns&#8221; aimed at soldiers who ignored the ban. It gave the writer and actress Hermine Heijermans, who earned her living as a fortuneteller, a &#8220;relatively safe&#8221; feeling.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-16313 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Red-Light-District-History-Dam-Square.jpg\" alt=\"history behind red light district second world war\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Red-Light-District-History-Dam-Square.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Red-Light-District-History-Dam-Square-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Red-Light-District-History-Dam-Square-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>On the right: 1940-1945, a german soldier stands next to a prostitute, most likely on Dam Square. On the right: November 1941, German soldiers on Dam Square. Picture source: Collectie Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Did_Prostitution_Stop_In_the_Red_Light_District_During_World_War_Two\"><\/span>Did Prostitution Stop In the Red Light District During World War Two?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Prostitution went out of sight, away from the windows and doors and into the underground. In the cafes prostitutes would find their clientele. But the caf\u00e9s in the Red Light District also shared in the malaise. Several caf\u00e9 owners moved their business to the Nieuwendijk, where it was busier. In the gay friendly caf\u00e9\u00a0&#8211; named <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/entertainment\/cafe-t-mandje\/\">&#8216;t Mandje<\/a> &#8211; owned by Bet van Beeren&#8217;, you could still eat a meal for a reasonable price, although the pea soup was reportedly prepared with cat meat. Bets sister Greet couldn\u2019t help but loudly meow when a dish was served. But in the basement weapons were stored for illegal practices and in the attic people were hiding from the Germans.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-1940-Eilers-Bernard-F.jpg\"><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11793\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-1940-Eilers-Bernard-F.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Red Light District During Second World War\" width=\"760\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-1940-Eilers-Bernard-F.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-1940-Eilers-Bernard-F-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-1940-Eilers-Bernard-F-768x485.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-1940-Eilers-Bernard-F-1024x647.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/><br \/>\n<em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Amsterdam, Oudezijds Achterburgwal, 1940.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">This is what the Red Light District looked like at the beginning of World War II. Picture by Bernard F. Eilers<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Persecution_Of_Jews_In_Amsterdam\"><\/span><strong>Persecution Of Jews In Amsterdam\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Amsterdam&#8217;s Red Light District probably has always been the most diverse part of the Netherlands. The same goes for the people who live and work there. But one of the most iconic groups of people has completely disappeared since the Second World War. The deportation of all of the Jewish inhabitants has irreversible changed the character of the Red Light District.<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11788\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Quarter-Signs.jpg\" alt=\"Red Light District History During The Second World War\" width=\"428\" height=\"309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Quarter-Signs.jpg 994w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Quarter-Signs-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Quarter-Signs-768x555.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 428px) 100vw, 428px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>The signs that were put at the entrances of so called &#8216;Jewish Quarters&#8217; in Amsterdam.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In many European cities ghettos were created. In Amsterdam something similar happened, the Nazis attempted to make a similar closed off ghetto, the so-called &#8216;Jewish Corner&#8217; on the eastern side of the city center. Strictly speaking, the Red Light District (Wallen buurt in Dutch) wasn\u2019t part of the new Jewish Corner, but the district, the nieuwmarkt and the alleys between the Oudezijds Achterburgwal and Kloveniersburgwal were a sort of \u2018suburb\u2019 of the Jewish Corner. On February 11, 1941, the Jewish corner was closed off with barbed wire and raised bridges. Plates were placed with the text &#8216;Juden Viertel\u2019 (Jewish Quarters). The attempt failed. The district was too small to contain all the Jews in Amsterdam and there were also still 6000 non-Jewish Amsterdammers living there. At the request of the municipal council, the barbed wire was removed after a few days and the bridges were lowered again. The signs were kept there.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jew-Persecution-Nieuwmarkt.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11787\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jew-Persecution-Nieuwmarkt.jpg\" alt=\"Red Light District During World War Two\" width=\"497\" height=\"353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jew-Persecution-Nieuwmarkt.jpg 998w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jew-Persecution-Nieuwmarkt-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jew-Persecution-Nieuwmarkt-768x545.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 497px) 100vw, 497px\" \/><br \/>\nAmsterdam, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/information\/nieuwmarkt\/\">Nieuwmarkt<\/a>, 1941.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">This area is just next to the Red Light District newly called \u00a0&#8216;Jewish Corner&#8217; was temporarily closed off back then.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Persecution_Of_The_Jews_Intensified\"><\/span><strong>The Persecution Of The Jews Intensified <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Nazis stuck to their plan to gather all the Jews. In April 1941, they determined that Jews should no longer be able to move house without permission. On January 14, 1942, all the Jews in <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zaandam\">Zaandam<\/a> heard from the local police that they had to move \u2013 with only hand luggage &#8211; to Amsterdam. Amsterdam municipal officials meanwhile mapped out where all the Jews lived. They made a &#8216;dots map&#8217;, each dot on the map representing 10 Jews. The Germans learned from this that there were many Jews living in the Eastern- and Southern parts of Amsterdam. In addition to the before mentioned Jewish Quarter, the Transvaal Neighbourhood and the River District were also marked as Jewish Quarters: Juden Viertel II and Juden Viertel III.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Dot-Map.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11789\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Dot-Map.jpg\" alt=\"Red Light District History During Second World War\" width=\"532\" height=\"355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Dot-Map.jpg 1492w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Dot-Map-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Dot-Map-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Dot-Map-1024x684.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>The &#8216;dots map&#8217;, each dot represented ten Jews. A high resolution picture can be found here.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jews_From_All_Over_Holland_Were_Sent_To_Amsterdam\"><\/span><strong>Jews From All Over Holland Were Sent To Amsterdam <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Subsequently, Jews from the most western parts of the Netherlands &#8211; from the top of Noord-Holland to Arnhem and Middelburg &#8211; were forced to move to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, forced moving of Jews also took place. What followed after this were deportations, mostly via the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hollandsche_Schouwburg\">Hollandsche Schouwburg<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org\/vught-concentration-camp\">Vught<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org\/vught-concentration-camp\">Westerbork<\/a> towards the extermination camps or concentration camps In Poland. Of the 80.000 Jews from Amsterdam only 5000 survived. A total of 98 deportation trains with a 100.000 people left the Netherlands without a single incident.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Jewish-Deportations-Amsterdam.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20501 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-holocaust.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Holocaust\" width=\"1460\" height=\"811\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-holocaust.jpg 1460w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-holocaust-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-holocaust-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-holocaust-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-holocaust-600x333.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1460px) 100vw, 1460px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Hunger_Winter_Of_1944_%E2%80%93_1945\"><\/span><strong>The Hunger Winter Of 1944 &#8211; 1945<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In the summer of 1944 the end of the German occupation seemed like just a matter of time. The morale of the occupier fell by the day and cracks appeared even within the leadership of Adolf Hitler&#8217;s once-so-powerful apparatus, leading him to no longer trust his generals. Because of these events Amsterdammers could already taste freedom in September 1944. But after the Allies lost the battle for Arhnem in September 1944, they gave the cold shoulder to the western parts of the Netherlands and continued to march Towards Berlin. It turned out that Amsterdam had to wait another long winter for its freedom. It turned out to be horrible months.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20502 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hunger-winter.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam history hunger winter\" width=\"1220\" height=\"687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hunger-winter.jpg 1220w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hunger-winter-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hunger-winter-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hunger-winter-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-hunger-winter-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1220px) 100vw, 1220px\" \/><br \/>\n<em style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Amsterdam, 1944. Children remove wood from the tramway lanes to be used as firewood.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Caused_The_Hunger_Winter\"><\/span><strong>What Caused The Hunger Winter?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Because the Allies had already conquered South Limburg, the normal supply of coal from there completely stopped. In addition, the railways were on strike at the request of the Dutch government in London. As a result, the gas- and the power plants got shut down in the beginning of October. Amsterdam became a cold, dark city, where no tram worked. <a href=\"https:\/\/toursinamsterdam.com\/schiphol-amsterdam-airport\/\">Schiphol<\/a> and the ports were blown up by the Germans, after which half of the city was emptied by the occupying army: shipyards, busses, trains, machines, factory supplies, tram wagons, bicycles, textiles, all that could be of use was dragged away. Meanwhile, military patrols went after all men between the ages of seventeen and fifty for the Arbeitseinsatz (work deployment) in Germany. In December, business was largely quiet. Most Amsterdammers didn\u2019t work anymore, or at most a few days a week. The schools were closed.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Hunger-Winter-Torn-Down-Houses.jpg\">\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20503\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20503\" class=\"responsive-image wp-image-20503 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-history-hunger-winter.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam history hunger winter\" width=\"750\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-history-hunger-winter.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-history-hunger-winter-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-history-hunger-winter-600x464.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20503\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Copyright Cas Oorthuys\/ NFA Coll. Nederlands Film Museum<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_December_It_Started_To_Freeze\"><\/span><strong>In December It Started To Freeze<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At the end of December it began to freeze, and that was the beginning of a large famine. Until the beginning of February it was extremely cold, and with the freezing of the IIsselmeer (IJssel Lake) the last transport route for food was cut off. There was no fuel &#8211; and the Amsterdammers had to help themselves. They cut down trees, burnt the numerous wooden blocks that lay between the tramway lanes and plundered the empty houses of the tens of thousands of Jews who were deported. Floors, stairs, beams, everything was taken away, and eventually the walls slowly came down. In the course of the Hunger Winter entire streets were ruined. In the massive hunt for fire wood 20.000 trees were cut down and 4600 houses were completely destroyed.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Hunger-Winter-Stripped-Homes.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20497 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history-during-second-world-war.jpg\" alt=\"Red Light District History During Second World War\" width=\"1150\" height=\"980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history-during-second-world-war.jpg 1150w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history-during-second-world-war-300x256.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history-during-second-world-war-1024x873.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history-during-second-world-war-768x654.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history-during-second-world-war-600x511.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1150px) 100vw, 1150px\" \/><br \/>\n<em style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Houses are torn down in Amsterdam, 1944. Picture by Ad Windig.<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_Hardships_During_The_Hunger_Treks\"><\/span><strong>More Hardships During The Hunger Treks<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Amsterdammers started searching for food in the northern provinces of the Netherlands in so-called hunger treks (honger tochten). Thousands of city dwellers scoured the country side with ramshackle carts, strollers en bicycles with wooden wheels across frozen, bare landscapes, hoping to find some patatos or cauliflower. They exchanged them for jewellery, antique, watches, linnen, or in some cases, sexual favours. Closer towards the spring, when things got to their worst, these Hunger Treks could last op to weeks, and could go as far as Friesland. Hundreds of Amsterdammers died of hunger en the cold: in January 1945 around 1200, in February around 1400 and in March 1600. In the Netherlands as a whole more than 20,000 people died. On May 5th 1945 the Netherlands was finally liberated.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11799\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Hunger-Trek-Trough-The-Countryside-.jpg\" alt=\"history behind red light district second World War\" width=\"818\" height=\"528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Hunger-Trek-Trough-The-Countryside-.jpg 1962w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Hunger-Trek-Trough-The-Countryside--300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Hunger-Trek-Trough-The-Countryside--768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Hunger-Trek-Trough-The-Countryside--1024x661.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 818px) 100vw, 818px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"After_The_Hardships_Comes_Liberation_on_the_5th_of_May_1945\"><\/span><strong>After The Hardships Comes Liberation on the 5th of May 1945<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-16311 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Red-Light-District-History-Dutch-Resistance-Members-Celebrate-Black-And-White-And-Colored.jpg\" alt=\"Red Light District History Dutch Resistance Members Celebrate\" width=\"800\" height=\"1530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Red-Light-District-History-Dutch-Resistance-Members-Celebrate-Black-And-White-And-Colored.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Red-Light-District-History-Dutch-Resistance-Members-Celebrate-Black-And-White-And-Colored-157x300.jpg 157w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Red-Light-District-History-Dutch-Resistance-Members-Celebrate-Black-And-White-And-Colored-768x1469.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Red-Light-District-History-Dutch-Resistance-Members-Celebrate-Black-And-White-And-Colored-535x1024.jpg 535w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><br \/>\n<em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Dutch Resistance fighters celebrate victory. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/HistoryPorn\/comments\/9cuhnv\/dutch_resistance_members_celebrate_at_the_moment\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Coloured picture source<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Amsterdams_Red_Light_District_History_1950s_Till_Today\"><\/span><strong id=\"1950-today\">Amsterdam&#8217;s Red Light District History: 1950&#8217;s Till Today<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In the sixties and onwards prostitution grew and grew in Amsterdam&#8217;s Red Light District (&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/de-wallen-amsterdam\/\">De Wallen<\/a>&#8220;) and became even bigger; more window brothels and\u00a0more prostitutes, but also more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/10-sex-shows-in-amsterdam\/\">sex shows<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/sex-shops\/\">sex shops<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In those years, a lot of window brothels had a painting of a crying gypsy boy. The sex workers believed it would bring luck, fortune and happiness. The picture above shows a painting like that.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Window-Prostitute-1960s.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9003 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Window-Prostitute-1960s-e1585817509259.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Window Prostitute 1960's\" width=\"800\" height=\"544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Window-Prostitute-1960s-e1585817509259.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Window-Prostitute-1960s-e1585817509259-300x204.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Window-Prostitute-1960s-e1585817509259-600x408.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Window-Prostitute-1960s-e1585817509259-768x522.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><br \/>\n<em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">A window prostitute called &#8220;Parijse Leen&#8221;. Amsterdam, Red Light District, late 1960&#8217;s. Pic by: C. Jaring<\/span>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The interior of the window brothels in Amsterdam looked like small living rooms, as you can see on the pictures above. Mind the paper-hangings, lamps, paintings and curtains. Nowadays, the window brothels have a very modern look. They are still quite small though. Usually it just has a bed, a washing table and a chair.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-De-Wallen-Oudebrugsteeg-1978-small.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2528 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-De-Wallen-Oudebrugsteeg-1978-small.jpg\" alt=\"history behind red light district\" width=\"556\" height=\"368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-De-Wallen-Oudebrugsteeg-1978-small.jpg 556w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-De-Wallen-Oudebrugsteeg-1978-small-300x198.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Amsterdam&#8217;s Red Light District in 1978. Most sex shops sold porn magazines back then.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>One famous brothel in Amsterdam was <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/entertainment\/yab-yum-museum-amsterdam\/\">Yab Yum<\/a>, founded in 1980, for the rich. It was very luxurious and had a fine interior. It still exists, as a museum though.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-3-April-1984-small.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2532 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-3-April-1984-small.jpg\" alt=\"Netherlands Red Light District history\" width=\"556\" height=\"412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-3-April-1984-small.jpg 556w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-3-April-1984-small-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>A\u00a0window prostitute presents\u00a0herself in the Red Light District. 3th of April 1984.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4185 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Warmoesstraat-48-Police-Agents-1980-small.jpg\" alt=\"Netherlands Red Light District history\" width=\"556\" height=\"410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Warmoesstraat-48-Police-Agents-1980-small.jpg 556w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Warmoesstraat-48-Police-Agents-1980-small-300x221.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Warmoesstraat-48-Police-Agents-1980-small-148x109.jpg 148w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Warmoesstraat-48-Police-Agents-1980-small-31x23.jpg 31w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Warmoesstraat-48-Police-Agents-1980-small-38x28.jpg 38w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Warmoesstraat-48-Police-Agents-1980-small-292x215.jpg 292w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Amsterdam, Red Light District. 1980&#8217;s. Police officers pose for their police station.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Prostitution, euthanasia (under strict conditions) and gay marriage were legalised in Holland. That happened around the year 2000. Coffeeshops were condoned from the year 1970 onwards.<\/p>\n<p>In 2009 the city council accorded to label window prostitution as a criminal activity and a criminal branche. After that the the City government decided in 2011 to chase the window brothels [mostly consisting of one tiny room] from for instance the Saint Annen street and the Old Church square [Oude Kerks plein]. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdam.nl\/en\/\">City of Amsterdam<\/a> aims to help women who are forced into prostitute with these policies.<\/p>\n<p>Since 2010 the city of Amsterdam has campaigned to drive human trafficking out of town. The city buys properties and houses to remove window brothels from streets and squares.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Red_Light_District_History_Belle\"><\/span>Red Light District History: <em>Belle<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At the open day of the Red Light District on 31 march 2007, for the first time male <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/sex-workers\/\">sex workers<\/a> stood in the windows. On that day a bronze statue of the female artist Els Reijerse was also revealed honouring prostitutes. It was an initiative from the well-known <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/interview-ex-sex-worker-mariska-majoor\/\">Mariska Majoor<\/a>, an ex-prostitute and advocate for sex workers. The statue is named &#8220;Belle&#8221; and looks like this:<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Tour-Belle-Respect-Sex-Workers-All-Over-The-World-small.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20496 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history.jpg\" alt=\"Red Light District history\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/red-light-district-history-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>A<\/em><em>msterdam, Red Light District, Old Church Square. Belle &#8211; Respect sex workers all over the world.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Prostitute-2006-Black-White-Netherlands-small.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1527 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Prostitute-2006-Black-White-Netherlands-small-e1585819248362.jpg\" alt=\"Red Light District sex work\" width=\"555\" height=\"635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Prostitute-2006-Black-White-Netherlands-small-e1585819248362.jpg 555w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Prostitute-2006-Black-White-Netherlands-small-e1585819248362-262x300.jpg 262w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 555px) 100vw, 555px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>In 2006 a prostitute showed herself outside in the heart of the Red Light District. Picture by:\u00a0Nadine Siddr\u00e9.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Red_Light_District_History_Amsterdams_Oldest_House\"><\/span><strong id=\"oldest-house\">Red Light District History: Amsterdam&#8217;s Oldest House<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A few years ago, it was thought that the wooden house from 1528 in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.nl\/search?q=Begijnhof+amsterdam&amp;source=lnms&amp;tbm=isch&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjA77Th-6TWAhUSJVAKHSUcALoQ_AUICygC&amp;biw=1630&amp;bih=930\">Begijnhof<\/a>, was the oldest preserved house in Amsterdam. Since 2012, we know that the Warmoesstraat 90 building is really the oldest.<\/p>\n<p>The house&#8217;s wooden skeleton dates back from 1485. Amsterdam still has a couple of really old houses built around 1500. The most famous two were the Houten Huys in the Begijnhof and the caf\u00e9 Int Aepjen on the Zeedijk 1. A house has recently been added to that list, and it is immediately Amsterdam&#8217;s oldest house: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.nl\/maps\/place\/Warmoesstraat+90,+1012+JH+Amsterdam\/@52.3746294,4.8948041,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c609b8627da885:0x97654ca888a85a37!8m2!3d52.3746294!4d4.8969928\">Warmoesstraat 90<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20504 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-oldest-house.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam oldest house\" width=\"922\" height=\"967\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-oldest-house.jpg 922w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-oldest-house-286x300.jpg 286w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-oldest-house-768x805.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/amsterdam-oldest-house-600x629.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 922px) 100vw, 922px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>This is the oldest house in Amsterdam.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The discovery was made after years of research on the wooden skeleton of the property. The building is the only preserved house from the late Middle Ages in Amsterdam. From the outside, the old age of the house is not recognisable as the fa\u00e7ade dates back to 1800. The discovery of the oldest house in Amsterdam was by chance, done by a construction inspector who walked through the property with the owner and noted the typical late medieval parts of the wooden skeleton. After research done on the growth rings in the wood, the exact date could be determined. Several people, including a wine-maker, and sheet merchant have inhabited the property. The property has been a hotel for some time now and prior it was also a gay bar for several years.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Did_Amsterdam_Get_its_Canals\"><\/span><strong id=\"canals-construction\">How Did Amsterdam Get its Canals?\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Back in 1275 the city only consisted of just a few rows of houses on the east bank of the Amstel. The early origins of this district (now the Red Light District) around the Warmoesstraat is reflected in the names of canals and accompanying street like the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal and Kloveniersburgwal (literally translated \u2018old-side frond city-wall\u2019, \u2018old-side rear city-wall\u2019 and \u2018harquebusiers city wall\u2019.The expansion of Amsterdam was accompanied by the digging of new canals which, up until the 17th century were used for among other things defence, and up until the 19th century, for transportation.\u00a0The pictures and text series below will give you a good impression of the Amsterdam canals construction\u00a0and history.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/tour\/5d-porn-cinema-tickets\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11352 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-1.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Canal Construction\" width=\"2376\" height=\"454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-1.jpg 2376w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-1-300x57.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-1-768x147.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-1-1024x196.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2376px) 100vw, 2376px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Above, the natural watershed:<\/strong><\/em> A system of streams en tributaries gently drains excess water off the swamps and marshlands to the sea via the Amstel River.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11353 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-2.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Canal Construction\" width=\"2376\" height=\"454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-2.jpg 2376w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-2-300x57.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-2-768x147.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-2-1024x196.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2376px) 100vw, 2376px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Above, the dikes:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Early inhabitants of Amsterdam built their homes up on raised mounds of earth. When during that time the sea level began to rise the settlers constructed the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/amsterdam-zeedijk\/\">Zeedijk<\/a> (sea-dike) and the Nieuwendijk (new-dike) along the mouth of Amstel as a protection against the elements.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11354 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-3.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Canal Construction\" width=\"2376\" height=\"454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-3.jpg 2376w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-3-300x57.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-3-768x147.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-3-1024x196.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2376px) 100vw, 2376px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Above, the windmill:<\/strong><\/em> The sea level kept rising but the new innovation called windmill allows the farmers to keep the water level in their fields artificially low. A side effect however, since the peat shrinks as it dries, is that the level of the land sinks, thus increasing the dependence on dikes and windmills for Amsterdam canals construction.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11355 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-4.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Canal Construction\" width=\"2376\" height=\"454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-4.jpg 2376w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-4-300x57.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-4-768x147.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-4-1024x196.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2376px) 100vw, 2376px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Above, the pattern of city growth:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0As Amsterdam grows the surrounding areas must be filled In order to bring it up to the same level as the older parts. Canals are dug which provide drainage and sewage disposal as well as door-to-door transportation for commerce. The canals are flushed at low tide and re-filled with the high tide. Windmills are built on the southwest outskirts where they become the focal point of convergence of many industries.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/tour\/5d-porn-cinema-tickets\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11356 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-5.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Canal Construction\" width=\"2376\" height=\"454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-5.jpg 2376w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-5-300x57.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-5-768x147.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-5-1024x196.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2376px) 100vw, 2376px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Above, the city walls:<\/strong><\/em> Political and military considerations encouraged the building the building of walls (as well as canals), later to become fortified. The immovability of these walls in turn encourages maximum use of the space inside.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11357 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-6.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Canal Construction\" width=\"2376\" height=\"454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-6.jpg 2376w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-6-300x57.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-6-768x147.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canal-Construction-6-1024x196.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2376px) 100vw, 2376px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Above, expansion:<\/strong> A thriving economy and a rapidly increasing population causes a period of tremendous growth in the 17th century, which lead to an increase in Amsterdam canals construction. It was not the first nor the last, but certainly the most dramatic expansion. In about fifty years a huge additional area of lands enclosed within new, fortified city walls, is constructed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historical_Amsterdam_Canals_Map\"><\/span><strong id=\"canals-map\">Historical Amsterdam Canals Map<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In the pictures below you can see the various stages of the development of Amsterdam\u2019s canals. The canal systems of the earlier periods are shown in black overlaying the current (light grey) situation.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11399 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canals-Map-1-.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Canals Map\" width=\"638\" height=\"451\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canals-Map-1-.jpg 638w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canals-Map-1--300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11400 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canals-Map-2.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam Canals Map \" width=\"646\" height=\"455\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canals-Map-2.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Amsterdam-Canals-Map-2-300x211.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 646px) 100vw, 646px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Visit_the_Amsterdam_Red_Light_District_Today\"><\/span>How to Visit the Amsterdam Red Light District Today<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding the history of the Amsterdam Red Light District offers valuable context for your visit, but knowing how to physically reach and navigate the area is just as important. From its origins as the 13th\u2011century trading hub and evolving through the centuries to today\u2019s more regulated neighborhood, a full appreciation of this district comes when you can walk its alleys and canals with confidence. That\u2019s why we recommend pairing your history reading with our detailed guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/amsterdam-red-light-district-map\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" data-start=\"488\" data-end=\"610\">Amsterdam Red Light<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/amsterdam-red-light-district-map\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" data-start=\"488\" data-end=\"610\"> Distri<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/amsterdam-red-light-district-map\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" data-start=\"488\" data-end=\"610\">ct<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/amsterdam-red-light-district-map\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" data-start=\"488\" data-end=\"610\"> directions<\/a>. This resource not only shows you the key streets\u2014like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/city-guide\/oudezijds-voorburgwal\/\">Oudezijds\u202fVoorburgwal<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/warmoesstraat\/\">Warmoesstraat<\/a>, deeply rooted in the area\u2019s past\u2014but also helps you plan your arrival (whether you walk from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toursinamsterdam.com\/amsterdam-central-station-centraal-station\/\">Centraal Station<\/a>, take tram\u202f4\u202for\u202f24, or decide on nearby parking). By merging the historical narrative of the district with practical navigation tools, you\u2019re better equipped to experience the distinctive combination of heritage, nightlife and culture that defines this neighborhood.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Moulin_Rouge_in_Amsterdams_Historic_Heart\"><\/span>Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam&#8217;s Historic Heart<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Exploring the vibrant history of Amsterdam&#8217;s Red Light District unveils a tapestry of cultural evolution, marked by its unique blend of liberalism, art, and social dynamics. Amidst this historical exploration, one cannot overlook the iconic Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam, a name that resonates with entertainment and the rich cabaret tradition, mirroring its Parisian counterpart&#8217;s allure. This renowned venue offers visitors a glimpse into the district&#8217;s diverse entertainment scene, blending history with modern-day nightlife. Whether you&#8217;re captivated by the district&#8217;s storied past or its contemporary vibrancy, securing tickets to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/tour\/tickets-moulin-rouge-amsterdam\/\">Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam<\/a> provides an unforgettable experience that bridges the old with the new, embodying the district&#8217;s enduring charm and its role as a cornerstone of Amsterdam&#8217;s cultural and entertainment landscape. For those interested in experiencing this legendary venue firsthand, further details are available here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/tour\/tickets-moulin-rouge-amsterdam\/\">Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"242\" data-end=\"310\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_History_to_Today_How_Sex_Work_in_Amsterdam_Has_Evolved\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"246\" data-end=\"310\">From History to Today: How Sex Work in Amsterdam Has Evolved<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"312\" data-end=\"905\">Understanding the long and complex history of the Amsterdam Red Light District is essential to appreciating how sex work in the city has transformed over time. In the Middle Ages, the narrow canals and taverns around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/de-wallen-amsterdam\/\">De\u202fWallen<\/a> served as informal meeting points for sailors and workers seeking companionship. Back then, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/history-of-amsterdam\/history-of-prostitution\/\">prostitution<\/a> was largely unregulated and existed in the shadows of everyday commerce. Over the centuries, however, local authorities gradually recognised the need for oversight\u2014introducing laws, safety measures, and health inspections to protect both workers and visitors.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"1328\">Today, that historical foundation has evolved into a carefully regulated system focused on transparency and professionalism. The once\u2011hidden trade has become a legitimate, licensed industry that prioritises safety, respect, and ethical conduct. Modern agencies handle recruitment, scheduling, and compliance within a strict legal framework, creating a vastly different landscape from the one that existed a century ago.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"2058\">For readers interested in understanding what contemporary sex work looks like in this context, our in\u2011depth guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/10-best-agencies-for-escorts-in-amsterdam\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" data-start=\"1449\" data-end=\"1563\">Amsterda<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/10-best-agencies-for-escorts-in-amsterdam\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" data-start=\"1449\" data-end=\"1563\">m<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/10-best-agencies-for-escorts-in-amsterdam\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" data-start=\"1449\" data-end=\"1563\"> escorts<\/a> highlights reputable, licensed escorts operating today. Each of these organisations reflects the city\u2019s long\u2011standing balance between freedom and regulation\u2014providing clear information, verified profiles, transparent pricing, and a respectful experience for all involved. By linking Amsterdam\u2019s historical evolution with its modern reality, you gain a more complete view of how one of the world\u2019s most famous districts continues to adapt while preserving its distinctive cultural identity.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_did_the_Red_Light_District_in_Amsterdam_first_become_known_for_sex_work\"><\/span>When did the Red Light District in Amsterdam first become known for sex work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Red Light District in Amsterdam, known as De Wallen, has a history of sex work dating back to the 14th century. However, it became more prominently associated with the trade in the 17th century, during Amsterdam&#8217;s Golden Age, when the city was a major maritime power and the district catered to sailors visiting the port.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_has_the_Red_Light_District_changed_over_time\"><\/span>How has the Red Light District changed over time?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Over the centuries, the Red Light District has undergone significant changes, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes, economic conditions, and legal frameworks. Originally a district with a mix of activities, it gradually became more focused on sex work. In the 20th century, efforts to regulate the industry and improve worker safety became prominent, leading to the legalization and regulation of prostitution in the Netherlands in 2000. This legal change aimed to ensure better conditions for sex workers and to combat human trafficking.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_historical_buildings_can_be_found_in_the_Red_Light_District\"><\/span>What historical buildings can be found in the Red Light District?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Red Light District is home to several historical buildings and sites, including the Oude Kerk (Old Church), Amsterdam&#8217;s oldest building, dating back to 1306. Another notable site is the Warmoesstraat, one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam, which has historically been a part of the district&#8217;s bustling trade and commerce scene.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_How_did_World_War_II_affect_the_Red_Light_District\"><\/span>4. How did World War II affect the Red Light District?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>During World War II, the Red Light District was affected by the German occupation of the Netherlands. Despite the harsh conditions and moral campaigns by the Nazis, the area continued to operate, albeit under strict regulations and control. The period also saw increased clandestine activity, reflecting the resilience of the district&#8217;s workers and the local community against the oppressive regime.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_What_role_did_the_Red_Light_District_play_in_the_development_of_Amsterdams_liberal_policies\"><\/span>5. What role did the Red Light District play in the development of Amsterdam&#8217;s liberal policies?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Red Light District has played a crucial role in shaping Amsterdam&#8217;s reputation as a city of tolerance and liberal social policies. The district&#8217;s existence and the city&#8217;s approach to managing it\u2014focusing on harm reduction, regulation, and the rights of sex workers\u2014have contributed to broader discussions and policies on drug use, sex work, and personal freedoms in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_How_have_recent_laws_and_regulations_impacted_the_historical_landscape_of_the_Red_Light_District\"><\/span>6. How have recent laws and regulations impacted the historical landscape of the Red Light District?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Recent laws and regulations aimed at protecting sex workers, preventing human trafficking, and balancing the district&#8217;s commercial tourism with local community interests have impacted the Red Light District&#8217;s historical landscape. Efforts to reduce the number of window brothels, introduce new zoning laws, and manage tourist numbers are reshaping the area, reflecting ongoing attempts to preserve its historical character while addressing contemporary social and economic challenges.<\/p>\n<div class=\"rld-author-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; border-radius: 10px; padding: 16px; margin-top: 28px; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; background: #fafafa;\">\n<div class=\"rld-author-image\" style=\"flex-shrink: 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 78px; height: 78px; border-radius: 50%; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Amsterdam-Red-Light-District-Tour-Guide-Martijn.jpg\" alt=\"Amsterdam expert Martijn\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"rld-author-text\" style=\"flex-grow: 1;\">\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 6px; font-size: 1.1em; font-weight: 600;\">About the author \u2014 Martijn<\/h4>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 0.95em; line-height: 1.55em;\">Martijn writes practical guides about Amsterdam and the Netherlands, with a focus on nightlife, visitor etiquette, and how local rules affect tourists. He explains sensitive topics in a factual and respectful way so visitors know what to expect and how to stay safe.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 18px; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 1.45em; color: #555;\">\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> city-centre planning, nightlife options, visitor rules<\/li>\n<li><strong>Standards:<\/strong> clear, neutral, updated when rules change<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transparency:<\/strong> affiliate links may apply (no extra cost)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.9em; color: #555;\"><strong>Last updated:<\/strong> March<span class=\"rld-author-last-updated\">, 2026.<\/span><br \/>\n<strong>Based in:<\/strong> Amsterdam, Netherlands<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/history-of-amsterdam\/history-of-prostitution\/\">History Of Prostitution Netherlands<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/may-7th-1945-amsterdam\/\">Amsterdam Dam Square Shooting<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/amsterdam-in-pictures-1951\/\">This Is What Amsterdam Looked Like In 1951<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/news\/20-books-on-the-history-of-prostitution\/\">20x Fascinating Prostitution Books<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Amsterdam Red Light District History Last Updated: 27 March, 2026. Historical Origins and Evolution The Red Light District, known locally as De Wallen, is not only a major tourist attraction in Amsterdam but also a historical part of the city with a rich past. Tracing back to the 14th century, the area began gaining notoriety [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":14,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-825","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Amsterdam Red Light District History: Past, Present &amp; Future<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn more about the Amsterdam Red Light District History. A historical explanation about &#039;De Wallen&#039; area between the 13th- and 21th-century.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamredlightdistricttour.com\/es\/history-of-amsterdam\/red-light-district-history\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_ES\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Amsterdam Red Light District History: Past, Present &amp; Future\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn more about the Amsterdam Red Light District History. 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Historical Origins and Evolution The Red Light District, known locally as De Wallen, is not only a major tourist attraction in Amsterdam but also a historical part of the city with a rich past. 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