Watch-tower

Slipping through time, let’s journey back to 1512. The Montelbaanstoren, rising from the Oude Schans waterway, wasn’t always the elegant structure we see today. It began as a stern, red-brick sentinel, a vital part of Amsterdam’s medieval defenses. Imagine Dutch soldiers pacing its ramparts, eyes scanning the horizon for invaders during the Eighty Years’ War. Amsterdam, a city of immense wealth, was a prime target. Its fortifications were essential. Years later, in 1606, the Montelbaanstoren received a stylish upgrade. Hendrick de Keyser, Amsterdam’s city architect, adorned it with a magnificent white spire and a clock. De Keyser, known for his Renaissance flair, also designed iconic Amsterdam cathedrals like the Zuiderkerk and Westerkerk. Unfortunately, the Montelbaanstoren’s new clock wasn’t exactly reliable. Its inaccuracy earned the tower the nickname “Silly Jack” among the locals. Over time, the Montelbaanstoren developed a slight tilt. This quirk adds to its charm. It even earned it another nickname: the “leaning tower of Amsterdam.” This tower witnessed the bustling activity of Amsterdam’s port. Sailors would gather here before embarking on long voyages. Today, the Montelbaanstoren serves a different purpose. It houses offices for the city’s water works. Though closed to the public, the tower offers a captivating sight. You can admire it from the comfort of a canal-side cafe or a boat tour. Picture yourself gliding along the Oude Schans, just as sailors did centuries ago. The Montelbaanstoren has also inspired artists. Rembrandt, who lived nearby, frequently sketched it. Interestingly, he preferred the tower’s original, simpler form, omitting the spire and clock in his drawings. Another Dutch painter, Jacob van Ruisdael, also depicted the Montelbaanstoren without its later additions. So, the next time you see the Montelbaanstoren, remember its rich history. From medieval guardian to artistic muse, it stands as a timeless symbol of Amsterdam.