United Europe on the Roemer Visscherstraat

On the Roemer Visscherstraat in Amsterdam it is possible to make a trip around seven European countries within one minute. Ever since 1894 a row of houses has stood here built in the style of seven countries: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Holland and England.

This 'United Europe', also known as the 'Seven Countries-Houses', were built by the architect Tjeerd Kuipers, (1858 - 1942) with the intention of focussing on the history of European architecture. From right to left:
At number 20 a house featuring gothic arched windows - the inspiration taken from romantic German architecture;
At number 22 a French Loire Chateau; A Spanish villa at number 24 typifying Moors masterworks in Granada;
The Italian 'palazzo' next door at number 26 is somewhat more austere in style;
At number 28 a Russian cathedral dating from the time of Ivan the Terrible crowned by an onion-shaped dome with a cross which with a chain can withstand heavy storms;
At number 30 a Dutch house in the Renaissance-style; And the row is completed with an English cottage at number 30a.

- Roemer Visscherstraat 20 - 30a (in the area between the Vondelpark and the Leidseplein)