Red Light District - De Wallen

De Wallen, the infamous red-light district of Amsterdam, is a place where history, art, politics, and social life intertwine in a fascinating mosaic. This neighborhood, located in the heart of the city, is one of the oldest in Amsterdam, dating back to the 13th century. Known for its narrow streets and picturesque canals, De Wallen is an area that tells stories of tolerance, commerce, and social change. The origin of the name “De Wallen” dates back to the ancient defensive walls that once protected the city. Since medieval times, Amsterdam was a thriving commercial port, and the influx of sailors contributed to the development of a lively sex industry. Prostitution, although viewed with moral disdain, was tolerated for centuries. The women who practiced this profession were confined to certain areas of the city, such as De Wallen, to maintain a sort of social order. During the 16th century, with the Spanish occupation and the rise of Protestantism, laws became stricter, and prostitution was relegated to the shadows of legality. However, the situation changed again in the 18th century with economic expansion and the emergence of the middle class, which sought to dissociate itself from the lower classes, including sex workers. A significant turning point came with the arrival of Napoleon and his troops, who introduced sanitary regulations to protect soldiers from venereal diseases. Prostitutes had to undergo regular medical check-ups, a progressive measure that temporarily improved their living conditions. After the departure of Napoleon’s troops, tolerance decreased again under the influence of dominant Christian morality. The 20th century brought further changes. In the 1960s and 70s, the sexual liberation movement and growing tolerance towards alternative lifestyles fostered a new attitude towards prostitution. In 2000, the Netherlands took a step forward in regulating the sector, making prostitution a legal profession. This legislative change aimed to improve working conditions and combat exploitation and human trafficking. Today, De Wallen is a neighborhood that blends the old and the new. The iconic red-lit windows are flanked by cafes, bars, and restaurants, creating a unique atmosphere that attracts millions of tourists every year. The windows, behind which sex workers offer their services, are a main attraction, but the neighborhood offers much more. The Oude Kerk, the oldest church in Amsterdam, stands as a historical monument in the heart of the district, witnessing centuries of city history. The influence of legalization is reflected in various aspects of the neighborhood’s daily life. Sex workers must be registered and comply with strict health regulations, and the police conduct regular checks to ensure compliance with the laws. This system not only protects the workers but also improves the neighborhood’s image, seeking to balance tradition and modernity. One of the key figures in the transformation of the neighborhood is Mariska Majoor, a former prostitute and founder of the Prostitution Information Center. Majoor has organized open house days and promoted initiatives to raise public awareness about the working conditions of sex workers. Thanks to her efforts, a monument dedicated to prostitutes, a bronze statue called “Belle,” was inaugurated in 2007 in front of the Oude Kerk. This symbol of respect and recognition is a tangible testament to the neighborhood’s evolution. Despite its fame linked to the sex trade, De Wallen is also a vibrant cultural center. It hosts unique museums such as Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder, a secret church located in a 17th-century house, and the Prostitution Museum, which offers an in-depth look at the history and realities of sex work. Additionally, the neighborhood is a place of culinary experimentation and entertainment, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and erotic theaters.