Definition
Vijzelstraat 31 refers to a specific street address located on Vijzelstraat in the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The designation “31” indicates the building number assigned to a property situated on this thoroughfare.
Overview
Vijzelstraat is a prominent street in the central part of Amsterdam, extending north‑south through the historic canal belt (Grachtengordel). The street lies between Leidsestraat to the north and the Rijksmuseum to the south, intersecting key avenues such as Spui and Singel. Properties along Vijzelstraat are typically mixed‑use, comprising residential apartments, commercial premises, and cultural institutions. The address “31” identifies a particular building within this urban context, but no widely recognized landmark, institution, or historically notable event is specifically associated with this number in publicly available encyclopedic sources.
Etymology / Origin
The name Vijzelstraat derives from the former Vijzel canal, which once ran parallel to the present‑day street. The Dutch word “vijzel” historically referred to a type of scale or balance, but in this context it is most likely a toponym linked to the waterway that shaped the city's layout during the 17th‑century expansion. The street name was officially adopted when the canal was infilled and the thoroughfare was constructed in the late 19th century.
Characteristics
- Location: Central Amsterdam, municipality of Amsterdam, province of North Holland, Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- Urban setting: The street is characterized by late‑19th‑ and early‑20th‑century architecture, with facades typical of Amsterdam’s “Amsterdam School” and earlier Dutch Renaissance styles.
- Accessibility: Vijzelstraat is serviced by multiple tram lines (e.g., lines 2, 12, 14) and is within walking distance of Amsterdam Centraal railway station and the Rijksmuseum.
- Land use: The area comprises a blend of residential units, retail shops, offices, and cultural venues. Specific details about the building at number 31 (e.g., construction date, architectural style, current occupants) are not documented in reliable encyclopedic references.
Related Topics
- Vijzelstraat – the street itself, its history, and urban development.
- Amsterdam canal belt (Grachtengordel) – UNESCO World Heritage area encompassing the surrounding canals and streets.
- Central Amsterdam – the broader district that includes Vijzelstraat and its environs.
- Dutch address system – conventions for numbering and naming streets in the Netherlands.
Note
Accurate, verifiable information specifically concerning the building at Vijzelstraat 31 is not confirmed in publicly available encyclopedic sources. Consequently, the entry provides only general context about the street and the address format, without detailed assertions about the particular property.