įrom late medieval times, the trade started to be restricted. Historically because of proximity to the harbor the area has attracted both prostitution and migrant populations and these are the features it is best known for today. The walled canals led to the names De Wallen and Walletjes (little walls). The Damrak then became a harbor and it was around this area that the red-light district first appeared. It had doors which were used to dam the river at certain times to avoid flooding. These two roads meet in Dam Square which marks the spot where a bridge was built across the river in 1270.
The Rokin and Damrak run along the original course of the river Amstel.
