National Monument — Attraction in Amsterdam

A towering tribute to history, solemn remembrance, and… apparently a free outdoor living room. This striking stone obelisk stands proud in Dam Square, meant to honor the fallen of WWII — yet on my visit, it was mostly honoring a cluster of people who had claimed it as prime seating real estate. I left, wandered the city, came back hours later… same group, same spot, same activity: absolutely nothing.

The monument itself? Still impressive. The surroundings? A tragicomic mess. Litter scattered like confetti after a party no one remembers attending, and an unmistakable Eau de Neglect wafting through the air. Clearly, maintenance is an optional extra here.

If the city wants to preserve its dignity (and the monument’s), perhaps a little urban design magic could help — a ring of landscaping, shallow reflecting pools, or even a subtle moat. Not just to beautify, but to gently remind people that “commemorative memorial” is not synonymous with “public seating area.”

Poignant history, yes. Poignant presentation?...

A national monument is a monument erected on Dam Square, the central square of Amsterdam, the capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The monument was erected in 1956 in memory of those who died in World War II. Every year on May 4, a ceremony is held here to commemorate the victims of the war. Until 1914, Dam Square was adorned with another national monument, the Unity, which was a column surmounted by a female figure.

After the end of World War II, it was decided to build a new monument on the central square, which would embody the unity of the people and would be a tribute to the memory of the victims. While the project was being discussed, a temporary monument was erected, which consisted of 11 urns with soil from all the provinces of the Netherlands. The land was taken from places of mass executions or military cemeteries. Later, a 12th urn was added, with soil from Indonesia, a former...

The National Monument is a WWII memorial situated at Dam Square opposite the National Palace.This is a 22 meter tall structure designed by Dutch architect J.J.P. and erected in 1952.

Here you will find a stone obelisk structure with sculptures near its base, representing the Dutch resistance to German occupation during the war. On the backside there are doves ascending to the sky, a symbol of Holland's liberation. There is a curved wall behind main obelisk as well two lions on small pedestals, representing the Netherlands, in front of the monument.

This is an interesting monument and something worth seeing if you enjoy statues and memorials. It can be easily and conveniently seen when visiting the Dam Square, which most will pass by at some point during your stay in Amsterdam. Have a quick look before continuing with your intended sightseeing...