Herengracht

The Herengracht is the most prestigious canal of Amsterdam and forms the showpiece of the world-famous canal belt. The canal was laid out from 1612 onwards during the great city expansion of the Golden Age and soon grew into the address for the richest merchants, mayors and regents of the city. Along the water impressive mansions arose with richly decorated façades, marble halls and lush gardens. The most famous part is the Golden Bend (Gouden Bocht), between the Leidsestraat and the Vijzelstraat, where the most luxurious canal houses of Amsterdam stand. Today the Herengracht houses a mix of monumental homes, museums, embassies and offices. Together with the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel, the Herengracht is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and is a showpiece of the prosperity of the 17th century. (amsterdam.nl)
Where does the name come from?
The name Herengracht refers to the ‘Heren Regeerders’ (Ruling Gentlemen): the mayors and regents who governed Amsterdam during the Golden Age. They played an important role in the development of the city and many of them eventually lived on this stately canal themselves. (stadsarchief.amsterdam.nl)
Fun fact
The Golden Bend on the Herengracht was the most expensive stretch of Amsterdam in the 17th century. Rich merchants often bought two plots next to each other here to build extra-wide city palaces. The wider the façade, the greater the prestige – an impressive calling card of success and wealth that is still visible well over four centuries later.