Waterlooplein Area - Stopera, Amsterdam

Well loved church by many born and bred Amsterdammers.
In the 16th and 17th century Roman Catholic practise was forbidden and the Catholics were not allowed to have churches that were recognisable as such. These hidden churches were called "schuilkerken".

The Franciscan brothers acquired two houses in 1641 which were named Moses and Aaron and in 1691 a larger church was built on the site of these houses (and several neigbouring ones). It is believed that the philosopher Spinoza (1632-1677) lived in one of these houses before he was banned from Amsterdam.

Although the church's nickname is Moses & Aaronkerk, in reality it is called the church of Saint Antonius of Padua.

In 1882 the Houtgracht (main entry to the church) and the Leprozengracht were closed up and became a square called Waterlooplein.

The large famous fleamarket around the Stopera (Amsterdam opera and town hall).
Probably more interesting than the stuff on sale are the people that walk about here. Just have a good look at the stall owners. You will find many colourful figures!

Many years ago I bought some Schiaparelli sunglasses (were they fake?) on Waterlooplein. Red ones. Worn them endlessly! I must've lost them because I never throw things away (awful habit).

Visit the Waterlooplein
Amsterdam's most famous flea market, Waterlooplein offers a bewildering variety of goods, from household junk to pseudo-antiques. Clothes -leather jackets, jeans, retro stuff and hippy T-shirts- make up a sizeable portion of what's on offer. There's jewellery, sunglasses, and hats too. Probably more worth it for the experience than any great buys, though.

Visit the fleemarket at Waterlooplein
Lots of stuff, great to have a look round

Waterlooplein is a cool square in the old center with a flee market. Loads of cool (second hand) clothing and other gadgets.