Dam Square is a square created in the 13th century and was renowned for its Dam Square hippies in the sixties. This vibe still lives on today. Around the square you’ll find highlights like the Bijenkorf, Magna Plaza, The Diamond Center, the Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds and more.The Dam derives its name from its original function: a dam on the Amstel River, hence also the name of the city. Built in approximately 1270, the dam formed the first connection between the settlements on the sides of the river.