Amsterdam celebrates 740th birthday with displaying Tolprivilege

Amsterdam will become 740 years old on October 27, and traditionally, this is celebrated with displaying the oldest known document that mentions the name of Amsterdam: the Tolprivilege

The Tolprivilege is a document that dates from October 27, 1275. In it, Earl Floris V gives the inhabitants of 'Amestelledamme' the right to transport their goods through the then existing County of Holland.

Its historic significance lies in the fact that this is the oldest known document that mentions the name of Amsterdam. Therefore, the date of October 27 (the date of the document) is now used to celebrate the 'birthday' of Amsterdam.

Due to its old age, it is very sensitive for light and temperature variations, so it is only displayed a few days per year.

The document can be seen on October 24, 25 and 27 in the City Archives (Stadsarchief), for free.