Gedempte Gracht Street, Zaandam

The Gedempte Gracht is a unique street and canal in Zaandam, known for its charming shopping street and bridges that span its length on both sides. This area has been designated as a pedestrian zone, allowing for unhurried strolls and leisurely shopping experiences. While the name "Gedempte Gracht" might suggest otherwise, it does indeed include a canal.

One side of the Gedempte Gracht features a stone embankment, while the other boasts a grassy one. Several of the bridges are adorned with long benches, providing a perfect spot for resting and taking in the surroundings. Along the stone embankment, there are steps leading down to the water, offering a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the canal. The area also features a music dome and wooden kiosks designed in the charming Zaanse style.

Across from the Gedempte Gracht, near the Hermitage, you'll find the Pathé Zaandam cinema. The street continues as it leads to Zaandam station, effectively connecting the canal area with transportation and entertainment hubs.

The Gedempte Gracht came into existence in 1858 when the wide ditch between the two paths on either side was filled in. Over time, the Gedempte Gracht evolved into an important shopping street in Zaandam and served as a vital thoroughfare for traffic.

In the late 1990s, the Gedempte Gracht underwent a transformation, becoming a pedestrian area, and automobile and bus traffic was redirected to the adjacent Vinkenstraat. During this time, shopping pavilions were added to the middle of the street.

In 2011, the pavilions were removed, and the canal was dug open again. It now boasts an average width of 6.5 meters and is equipped with seven bridges, as well as a waterfall on the side near the station. This metamorphosis was a significant part of the Inverdan project, a redevelopment initiative in the area. Interestingly, the municipality decided to retain the name "Gedempte" for the canal, serving as a reminder of its history and transformation.