East of the center of Amsterdam is the Jewish quarter. Traditionally, many Jews have always lived in this part of Amsterdam. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Amsterdam was one of the largest and most important Jewish cities in the world. The traces of this are still visible in the neighbourhood.
At the end of the sixteenth century, the first Jewish people came to Amsterdam from Portugal and Spain. They settled on Breedestraat and Vloonburg. In the course of the seventeenth century, more and more Jews came to the city, who settled in the same area. In the second half of the seventeenth century there were already about 2,500 Jewish people living in the district and by the eighteenth century this number had risen to 20,000. Several synagogues were built. Built in 1675, the Portuguese-Israeli Synagogue is still in use and can be visited outside of services. The complex houses the oldest functioning Jewish library in the world.
In the seventeenth century, the Jewish community started cutting diamonds. In the nineteenth century, Amsterdam had grown into an international center for the diamond trade and industry. Several diamond polishing factories were located in the Jewish quarter. In 1910 the Diamond Exchange was built on the Weesperplein. One of the historic diamond polishing factories now houses Gassan Diamonds, where you can take a tour in which you learn everything about diamonds.
In the Jewish quarter you will also find the Jewish museum. In this museum you will discover everything about Jewish culture and the Jewish faith in the Netherlands. There are ceremonial objects, historical and modern art, films and presentations on display. Temporary exhibitions and events are regularly organized in the museum.
In addition to the traces of Judaism, you will also find other interesting sights in the Jewish quarter. The Rembrandt House Museum is located in the neighbourhood, as are the Waterlooplein and the Dutch National Opera & Ballet.
Do you want to discover the Jewish quarter and learn everything about Judaism and Jewish culture in Amsterdam? Then book a local private guide from Aroundfriends.