Westerkerk: a historic Amsterdam church

The Amsterdam Westerkerkor Western Church, is a much-loved symbol of the Dutch capital.

The crowned spire of its tower, the Westertoren, is the tallest church tower in the city.

You can see it from almost anywhere.

Today, I'd like to take a closer look at this unusual place.

The Westertoren bells

The bells of the Westertoren, the tower of the Amsterdam Westerkerk, ring the quarter-hour, accompany lovers, help people get to work on time and generally set the rhythm for the day. for nearly 400 years.

Built between 1620 and 1631, the Amsterdam Westerkerk features a Renaissance style. It is the largest Protestant church in the Netherlands, and is still used by the Dutch Reformed Church today. The 87-metre tower joined the building in 1638.

A journey to the top

For those who are able to climb very steep and narrow staircases, the climb up the Westertoren can be an exceptional moment during your visit to the city. You'll need a guide, as you can't climb it alone.

In fact, you only go up halfway, about 40 meters. The guide will stop at each landing to give an overview of the building's history and point out things you might miss on your own. You can then to catch our breath.

If you can't take a bag with you, you can carry a camera in your pocket. After all, you need both hands to climb steep stairs.

The best view in town!

At the top of the climb, you'll come out onto the balcony. Prepare to be amazed by the view. A seemingly endless 360° panorama of Amsterdam, with views of the canals below, rooftops, parks and everything in between.

A block away, you can see the tiny windows of the attic where the Anne Frank sat down and looked at the tower clock, one of the few things she could make out in the city.

Just above you is the coat of arms of the city of Amsterdam, with its white XXX, a design you'll notice all over town.

Bells that have been there for centuries

In the tower, you also have the chance to see the magnificent bells of Amsterdam's Westerkerk. They are among the largest in the city and were cast in the 17th century by the Hemony brothers.

The congregation's volunteers still ring the bells by hand for Sunday services and special occasions, such as Dutch Remembrance Day. The largest bell, weighing 4,000 kg, never rings out of fear. to prevent vibrations from cracking the tower walls.

Every Tuesday at noon, the town carillonneur gives a delightful hour-long concert on the carillon. You can hear him several blocks away.

When can you join the guided tour?

Guided tours of the tower are available Monday to Saturday from April to October. They only take 6 people at a time, so you may need to get your ticket and wait a while.

The first visit of the day starts at 10 a.m., and that's when you're most likely to enter immediately.

The tour lasts 30 minutes and costs €8. Tickets are only sold on the day. No reservations are possible. Finally, I advise you to take change, as they don't accept credit cards.

Also visit Amsterdam's Westerkerk

While you're waiting for your tour of the tower, take a few minutes to explore the interior of the church. Amsterdam Westerkerk's sober design is typical of most Dutch Protestant churches.

With chairs instead of benches on the flagstone floors, wooden barrel vaults above and beautiful stained-glass windows, it's a peaceful place.

Since there are no tall buildings adjacent to the Amsterdam Westerkerk to block out the sun, light pours through the 36 large windows to illuminate the whitewashed walls in a glorious "light effect".

Not to be missed in Westerkerk

There's also a fine Duyschot organ, brass chandeliers and the usual unpretentious pulpit. Rembrandt was buried in the Westerkerk in 1669, but in a pauper's gravewithout inscription. As was the custom at the time, his remains were removed after 20 years to make way for other poor people. A memorial is dedicated to him in the church.

Access to the tower is not, of course, accessible to wheelchairs and other stair users. The church itself, however, is accessible, although the flagstone floor may be a little uneven in places.

When you're looking for things to do in Amsterdam, make sure you take the time to see this place in town and soak up some of its history. If you can manage climbing the tower, do it. The reward is well worth the effort.

Today, the tower continues to play its part in Amsterdam's history, comforting people, marking the hours and celebrating their joys with its magnificent bells.

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