All of Amsterdam's history and development is linked with the River Amstel: This winding ribbon of water connects the city with the former "Zuiderzee" and port to the North sea, from which Amsterdam first drew its wealth and power.
The Amstel and IJ was Amsterdam's chief commercial thoroughfare and royal highway for the famous Sailing yachts. How many well known paintings from Rembrandt about Amsterdam you can admire in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
