Visit 7 European Countries in One Minute

Take a trip around seven European countries in less than one minute. Impossible? Not in Amsterdam. Simply go to Roemer Visscherstraat.

This street is also known as United Europe. The architect of seven houses in this street is Tjeerd Kuiper who became famous for his design of about fifty protestant throughout the Netherlands. However, in 1894, he built something completely different; a row of houses in architectural style of seven countries; Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, Russia, Italy and England. His aim was to show how national architecture developed in these seven countries.

Number 20 has Gothic windows clearly showing romantic influences of German architecture. Number 22, is a miniature French chateau, a replica of the ones bordering the Loire River. Number 24 is a Spanish villa in Moorish style, reminiscent of Granada’s Alhambra. Next door is an Italian palazzo. The Russian cathedral look-a-like complete with an onion-shaped dome rubs shoulders with a Dutch renaissance-style house. The last in the row is an English cottage but without the profusion of flowers typical of an English country garden.

If you want to stay longer than one minute in United Europe, Quentin England Hotel is in one of Seven Countries Houses. Steep narrow staircases lead to rooms on the upper floors. Room rates in this 2-star hotel start at €84 for a double or twin room.

QUICK FACTS
Roemer Visscherstraat is close to Museumplein. 10 minutes on foot from Rijksmuseum or hop on tram 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7. 10 or 12.

WHAT: Quentin England Hotel
WHERE: Roemer Visscherstraat 30 (map)