The famed Paradiso Amsterdam is a popular live music hotspot and an eclectic center for culture and the arts. It is found in the very center of one of the most amazing cities in the world, Amsterdam NL. The Paradiso club has made its home in a venerable old building that was once an historic church, but which has been renovated and given new life as one of the most popular places to enjoy the nightlife in the Netherlands.

The exterior of the former church is somewhat foreboding and has a dark, almost sinister, appearance to it, especially to those who are visiting for the first time and who have not experienced the energetic and spirited music that fills the interior during live music shows. The interior of the Paradiso is magnificent to behold. Given its former life as a cathedral, it is graced with high, vaulted ceilings and a magnificent balcony that overlooks the area where the stage is situated, and where the pulpit was formerly located.

Above the stage of the Paradiso Amsterdam are three enormous works of art in the form of stunning stained-glass windows, which help to create a unique atmosphere in which the varied performances take place. These windows graced the original church and are now illuminated artificially so that the patrons of the establishments can enjoy the workmanship of them no matter what time of day they are visiting.

The acoustics of the venue tend to produce echoes, due to the dimensions of the vast interior, but over the years since the Paradiso was opened in 1968, there have been ongoing improvements that have helped improve the overall experience of listeners. In addition to the primary venue that is housed in the former chapel area, there is a smaller stage and cafe area situated on the upper floor for more intimate performances.

Even aside from the fact that the sound is not absolutely perfect, the Amsterdam venue, the Paradiso, continues to be one of the best-loved and most visited live music scenes in the city and it has long been a favored destination of local music lovers, yet even draws people in from all across Europe. Perhaps one reason for its popularity is that is it situated just a "stone's throw" away from the Leidseplein in the Amsterdam city center, which is the bustling hub of nightlife and an "in vogue" tourist center.

With its history as a church and defining architecture that is unmistakably inspired by houses of worship, the beautiful and imposing building that houses the Paradiso has been nicknamed the "Pop Temple." And, given the fact that some of the most famous acts in the world, such as the Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, David Bowie, Justin Timberlake, Nirvana, Macy Gray, Prince, and many others, have made the sturdy walls and windows vibrate to their music, this seems an appropriate designation.

While the Paradiso Amsterdam will likely always be best known for the amazing musical talents that it hosts, in recent years the establishment has also begun to offer a more broad and eclectic variety of programs. In addition to rock performances, there are often strains of classical music being played, as well as a variety of lectures and plays that are regularly presented to the patrons of this cultural icon in the center of one of the most sensational cities of the world, Amsterdam the Netherlands.

Just enter your name and email to get your FREE Amsterdam gift immediately ! Name:                  Email Address: Your name and email address will not be sold, shared or disclosed to anyone. We promise to respect your privacy.

Technorati Tags: Amsterdam, Paradiso Amsterdam Claims Pop Temple Title