Red lanterns of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is not only the capital of the Netherlands, but also the capital of desires. The entire network of beautiful canals resembles a real open-air art museum. However, for many tourists it deserves attention. First of all, this is not a painting by Van Gogh in the same exhibition hall and not an original by Rembrandt, but the body of a woman without complexes on the famous Red Light District.
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To be precise, the famous “Place of Temptation” is not a street at all, but an entire block, which the locals themselves call completely differently. Translated as “wall”. Not in vain, because in ancient times the walls of the city fortifications passed here, and little remains except the name itself.
Red lantern of Amsterdam. Prostitution in the area began to flourish at least from the 14th century, if not earlier. After all, at that time the place was within walking distance of anywhere and almost next to the harbor. Thus, it was convenient for everyone to get to a neat female body. Both townspeople and sailors inspired love for each other.
By the way, the mentioned sailors, as a rule, offered a varied program. So don’t be surprised if you spot a tavern, temple, or brothel nearby. At the beginning of the 15th century, the situation in this sector was very satisfactory.
Of course, there was decent civil resistance. Indeed, at first (until the 15th century) there were houses for ordinary residents. But the scandal did not suit the priests of love, who sought to stand out among housewives.
Therefore, a red light appeared on the narrow streets, which distinguished the houses of pleasure from the ordinary dwellings of the townspeople. However, red light has another advantage – it visually changes a woman’s appearance. Thus, the “optimistic” lamp very quickly gained recognition and soon became a real character.
And over time, the city authorities decided to allocate an entire area for prostitutes in order to protect decent women from trouble. This happened in the 18th century, when the glory of the Red Light District was already booming everywhere. Well, what can you do: the Catholic and Calvinist churches were not so strict towards such a profitable business as carnal pleasures. After all, thanks to them, the treasury was regularly replenished. Indeed, some populist measures were nevertheless adopted.
In particular, prostitutes were prohibited from marrying. And married people visit prostitutes. But, of course, no one asked clients about their marital status. Yes, and if someone suddenly really liked a girl, despite her profession, she was calmly taken to her wife. They just weren’t particularly common in the past.
Read also: History of Amsterdam’s Red Light District
amsterdam is a city of colors that cannot be described. Moreover, it contrasts very clearly with all other major cities in Europe. Yes, he is like.
Today they are thriving. The most interesting things happen here in the evening and at night. The light is very red. Various beauties adorn the windows of the brothel. Recently, residents of Ukraine, Poland and the Czech Republic were added here. However, at home, Russians earn more (at least so they say).
Asian girls, as well as French and African dark-skinned beauties, are in demand. The offer, as they say, is for every taste, from very beautiful blondes of “podium” looks to very well-groomed “Rembrandt” priests of love. But they don’t work here. Since 2001, all girls (and men, their labor is also in demand) must fill out a tax return, which is calculated taking into account the location of the brothel itself.
There is also a hygiene book that allows clients to protect themselves from many unpleasant “gifts from Amsterdam”. The tax on prostitution can range from 500 to 2, 000 euros, but if you factor in the rental of premises in the amount of 10, 000 to 10, 000 euros per month, the result is a net profit for the priests of love. Considering the standard of living in European cities, this is very good.
Red light district | street in Amsterdam | prostitution | brothel | escort
By the way, it is necessary to separately mention male prostitutes. These handsome men still chose the path between Rembrandt and the dam. Their clients are women and men from Western Europe. In addition, transgender people work everywhere in the area.
The authorities consider it necessary to distribute special booklets and inform all visitors about this. After all, no one needs extra hassle. The rest of the city is one of the most prosperous places in Amsterdam. This is explained by the fact that order is maintained by both the police and special guards hired by the owners of brothels.
The income to the treasury cannot be underestimated. The tourism business, built on excursions to this unique place, amounts to about 100 million euros per year. However, prostitutes are again harassing local residents. They are outraged that women’s bodies are overshadowing the city’s other amazing attractions.
In this regard, the government bought some buildings in the neighborhood and turned them over to shopping centers, art exhibitions and sales. The fairies, who consider this an attack on their work, have united in one of the most powerful trade unions in the Netherlands – Open Days. They try to convince visitors that prostitution is as old as the sex that people want.
And governments of different countries achieved bans, only leaving the industry “underground”, losing money for their budgets and increasing the risk for potential clients. Yes, the girl in the post is not the one who knows this. Perhaps modern moths could learn a lot from the stories of the old generation.
Be that as it may, red lanterns are still selling too well to fade into oblivion without resistance. Therefore, there is no doubt that in the near future their light will not go out to the joy of everyone.
Read more about sex in the Czech Republic and unique Czech brothels in the article at the link.
