20130317_5D+Nifty_234-2
This batch of shots was taken at the Entrepotdok. I don't know exactly the correct translation. Google says that 'entrepot' means 'bonded warehouse'?
Anyway, it is the name of a large complex of old storehouses (as well as of a canal). The oldest storehouses of the complex date back to 1708. In 1827, after the French (Napoleontic) rule, the Dutch State became owner of them. Until 1895 goods could be temporarily stored here without having to pay import duties, this in order to stimulate transit trade. Only the moment the goods hit the market did import duties have to be paid.
Around 1890 the Entrepotdok lost its function and the buildings were empty for a long time. Then the city of Amsterdam acquired them and in the end they were declared a Rijksmonument, i.e. becoming part of our National Heritage and as such protected.
In 1980 the old storehouses were turned into apartments. They kind of scooped out, made hollow, those very large, very dark buildings and in order to get light into the apartments, they situated them around a carré. Some are actually between two streets and are rather difficult to find. These are like villages, very quiet and lovely.