Many people wonder about the meaning of XXX in Amsterdam. In many places in Amsterdam, you can find this symbol consisting of three vertical crosses. It can be seen all over the city…
Souvenirs
“The city’s brand mark with three crosses” – the XXX logo can be seen on t-shirts, caps, umbrellas, mugs, pens etc.
Garbage Containers
Just in case another city tries to steal it, mark your street bin with triple xxx!
Bike Racks
Amsterdam’s massive multistory bike parking facility near central station with the message “Amsterdam Loves Bikes”.
Drain Covers
Pretty much all street furniture owned by the local government in Amsterdam is marked with a three xxx symbol.
City Coat of Arms
Shown below is the coat of arms displayed inside St. Nicholas Church. At the top of the crest is a crown which was awarded to Amsterdam after providing financial support to Holy Roman Emporer, Maximilian I during wartime. More recent versions of the crest bear the Dutch words “Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig” which means “Heroic, Steadfast, Compassionate”. These were added in 1947 at the request of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands to mark the people’s protest against the Nazi persecution of the Amsterdam’s Jews during the war.
Traffic Bollards
These are known locally as Amsterdammertjes which stop vehicles from driving on the pavement. Almost all of these posts are dented and scraped!
Historic Buildings
Three X’s above the entrance for 17th-century HQ of the Dutch East India Company next to Amsterdam’s Smallest House.
St Andrew – The True Meaning of XXX in Amsterdam
Visitors may speculate whether the meaning of xxx in Amsterdam is connected to the red-light district or X-rated shows. Indeed, many shops sell souvenirs that portray this association. However, the crosses have nothing to do with the infamous adult entertainment industry. These symbols are St Andrew’s crosses and are also known as saltires. They have appeared on Amsterdam’s coat of arms since 1505. St. Andrew was martyred in the 1st century AD and was crucified on an x shaped cross and was a fisherman. Amsterdam began as a fishing port and all ships registered there displayed the three crosses.