Huis met de Hoofden

House with the Heads at Keizersgracht 123 in Amsterdam

The House with the Heads (known as 'Huis met de Hoofden' in Dutch) is a large canal house on the Keizersgracht 123 in Amsterdam. The House derives its name from the six ornaments shaped as heads, which are on the facade. There is a legend that the heads refer to six thieves who had tried to break in the house and were then beheaded by the maid. Previously, however, it has been discovered that the heads are the images of the heads of six Gods: Apollo with the laurel wreath (the arts); Ceres with the grain (agriculture); Mercury with the winged helmet (trade); Minerva (wisdom); Bacchus with the grapes (wine); and Diana with the half moon (hunt).[1][2]

The heads on the façade

References

  1. ↑ "SIgnificant Architecture in Amsterdam". Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  2. ↑ "FODOR travel guide for Amsterdam". Retrieved 6 February 2014.
Dutch Rijksmonument 2249

Coordinates: 52°22′35″N 4°53′15″E / 52.37639°N 4.88750°E / 52.37639; 4.88750

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