Amsterdam Photo: Ornate Gables

In seventeenth century Amsterdam, house fronts and gables were status symbols. As the city levied tax according to the width of houses, home owners added a few metres to the top of their houses to show wealth. Have a close look and see the sturdy rods that support these false gables.

The best place to see the rods is on the fifth floor of Metz Department Store. The large windows of The Metz Café look out over Amsterdam centre. Sit at one of the window tables in Metz Café. Down below stretch spiderweb canals. From this high position, the gables give away their secret. Seen from the street they are massive and ornate, but from above it is clear that the gables are simply stuck to block-like houses and that they don’t form a unit with the building. Metz does not allow you to take photos.

WHAT: Metz & Co
WHERE: Leidsestraat 34 (corner Keizersgracht) (map)
WHAT: Upmarket department store specializing in glassware,  decorative design objects, perfumes, gifts, clothes and fashion accessories, kitchenware and furniture.
OPENING HOURS: Mon 11:00 – 18:00, Tue – Sat 09:30 – 18:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

photo credit: personal collection