Description of the attraction
A special attraction of Amsterdam is the so-called "red light districts" - the places where the sex industry of the city is concentrated. It should be noted that prostitution in the Netherlands is legal. One of these quarters is the de Wallen district - a typical red-light district as it is imagined: the first floors of houses are occupied by display windows, behind which there is a small room, in the window is a girl offering herself and her services. The windows are illuminated with red lanterns, hence the name of the quarter.
De Wallen is one of the oldest districts in Amsterdam. Once upon a time there was a harbor not far from here, and sailors who disembarked spent their time in this quarter - hence the specific nature of the services offered here. Attempts to somehow regulate what was happening were made back in the Middle Ages: married men and priests could not visit this quarter. Since 1578, when Protestants came to power, prostitution was prohibited, but continued to exist. Illegal brothels flourished, and they were not touched if at least the semblance of decency was observed. From the 18th century brothels appeared at gambling houses.
The modern red light district in Amsterdam is not only about prostitutes in shop windows, but also numerous sex shops, peep shows, bars and coffee shops (establishments selling marijuana). The Marijuana Museum is located in the same quarter. Here is the world's largest condom store, where the assortment meets the wildest fantasies. There is a monument to a prostitute not far from the Old Church, and the inscription on the pedestal encourages respect for sex workers around the world.
