Dam Square was created in the thirteenth century when a dam was built around the river Amstel to prevent the Zuiderzee Sea from flooding the city, causing damage and endangering the citizens of Amsterdam. Through the centuries, a number of buildings sprung up around the Square, special events were (and still are) held here, and street entertainers are a common site. In the 1960s, Dam Square was famous for the "hippie" population that hung out at the location.For something a bit more light-hearted, make a stop at world-famous Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Here you'll view incredible likenesses of historic figures, pop idols, movie stars, and even an animatronic wax figure.