Sunday, June 21, 2009

Secret Amsterdam

Hidden behind some of Amsterdam's stately canal houses are the secret gardens of the 17th-century. Every June for a couple of days they open their doors and for 15 everyone is invited.

There is something magical about being allowed into this world, a world you would never know was there, it's almost like stepping back into Amsterdam's Golden Age. And the icing on the cake? You also get a peak into these incredible canal houses as you walk through them to get into their secret gardens.

Pictures below!









10 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! I had heard only a little bit about this before your blog post, so thank you for sharing :-) These photos are really fantastic too, by the way! I hope to one day take advantage of seeing those secret gardens.

Angela said...

Hi Isabella!
Thank you, I must admit though some of those pictures were actually taken by my fiance :)
You should definitely take advantage and see the gardens when they open again next year... Though I recommend taking 2 days to see them, we only got half way through!

Life Abroad said...

I've always wanted to take a peak into the courtyards behind the beautiful canal homes, but I had no idea that they actually let people do that!!!

Beautiful photos, it must've been so interesting to see!

Angela said...

It was really interesting and special to see :) They open between 20-30 different gardens and every year they are different ones. You should catch it next year, I will be going again too :)

Anita said...

Hi there Angela !
Nice post ! So... as much as I understand there is no "regular" address ? How can you figure out wich house will have n open acces to its gardens ?

Angela said...

Hi Anita! Thanks :)
When you get your ticket they give you a little booklet with a map on it and a list of all the houses and what they have to offer on the map, as you go to each address the door is open and there is a poster saying "open garden" in Dutch of course :) And they stamp your little book at each house.

The Blue Suitcase said...

Oh, oh, oh, I am so jealous that you checked out this event! I wanted to go so badly, but my family was due for a trip so we chose to leave Amsterdam that weekend. Thank you so much for the peek into what I missed...it will be a must next year. Love your blog!

thamarai said...

beautiful pictures!! I really need to take some photography lessons...the pics in my blog will commit suicide soon..:)

Suzanne said...

I'm sorry I missed this, I'll have to look out for next year. These photos are enchanting, I expect to see little fairies hidden in the leaves, and I love that this was posted on my birthday (-:

Anonymous said...

The photos are just gorgeous! What a beautiful experience. I'll have to add that to my list of things to do.