You know when you reach the Dam. The square is huge measuring 650 by 350 feet. At one end is the National Monument. The 72 foot concrete pillar commemorates soldiers who died during WWII. At the other end is Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam. The Dutch Baroque building by architect Jacob van Campen opened in 1655 as the Amsterdam Town Hall. On top of the pediment filled with bas-reliefs is a 20 foot statue of Atlas carrying the world. After Louis Bonaparte (brother of Napoléon) became king of Holland in 1806, he converted this marvelous structure into his palace. The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is now used by the monarch for state functions and receptions. Guided tours are available.
