Anne Frank's House, Amsterdam

You may have read my recent opinion on the city of Amsterdam itself, well one of the attractions l had penciled in as my number one place to visit was house where Anne Frank lived or Anne Frankhuis. This is easily found either by canal boat or on foot at Prinsengrancht 263. Entrance was 12 Guilders - whis is about £4.50 - not too bad.

The building dates back to 1635 and it shows the rooms where the yound Jewish girl along with family and friends hid during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam from 1942 until 1944.

I would advise that you get here early. We arrived on a Wednesday morning about 9.45am and had to queue for about 15 minutes. There were a lot of school kids on trips visiting. Opening hours are 9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and on a Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Due to recent renovation works the museum now houses further exhibition centres, a gift shop and cafe.

As you make your way around the narrow stair cases and empty rooms you really can not being to comprehend how it must have been like for these human beings to live couped up in such surroundings - families sharing one room, not being able to flush the toliet in case you attract attention - much has been said in the past about the treatment of this race of people and l cannot say anything more bar the fact that animals should not be treated like such.

In each room there is some script from Anne's diary on the wall relating to that part of the house. There is also a video diary in English and dutch with related actors talking about their experiences and perhaps some artifacts from the time - the star of David they were made to wear by the Nazi's sticks out in my mind.

The book case that lead to the secret annex is still in place as are pictures of Annes favourite stars stuck to the wall in order to brighten up the monotony of their entrapment.

The stairs up to Annes room in the attic were blocked off but it does not take away from what the house has come to represent.

Anne's diary has become world famous with copies being printed in many different languages. It is sad to think that Anne and her sister Margot died in Bergen-Belsen in 1945 - one week before liberation by the allied forces. Her diary is her legacy, and was published by her father Otto Frank the only survivor.

I would recommend a visit to this place - it is surrounded by an air of quiet contemplation and respect, everyone is lost in thought - trying hard to imagine the hardship of living in such a manner. To find out more information visit the website - www.annefrank.nl