Magna plaza

This is a large building constructed between 1895 and 1899 to house the Central Post Office, according to the design of architect C.H. Peters, who was inspired by the neo-Renaissance style, including Gothic and Romantic elements. The abundant decoration on the façade, as well as the use of pear-shaped crowns at the top of the towers, provoked various reactions, especially among the working classes of the Jordaan neighborhood, who dubbed the building's style "postal Gothic" and nicknamed it "Perenburg."

The Central Post Office was located in this building until 1988, and some time later the location of an important and luxurious shopping center was decided, something that, according to its creators, could not be missing in the center of a city that attracted thousands and thousands of visitors every year.

In 1991, restructuring work began; among them, the most important consisted of adding 500 piles to the existing 4,560 to secure the foundations. The renovation task was not easy as in 1992 the building was declared one of the ten most precious monuments in Amsterdam. The result then had to respect the original style while adapting it to the activities of a shopping center.

Since August 27, 1992, shops of the most varied yet exclusive nature have found their place in Magna Plaza: clothing, jewelry, furniture and décor, children's items, souvenir shops, and two cafés and restaurants.

Although prices may discourage visitors, it is well worth a visit at least to admire the beautiful building...

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182

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