Westertoren

Did you hear that chime? That’s the Westertoren clock, a constant companion to Amsterdammers for centuries. The Westertoren, the tallest church tower in Amsterdam, dominates the skyline at 87 meters. This iconic structure, completed in 1638, is a marvel of engineering, especially considering Amsterdam’s soft ground. The Westertoren isn’t entirely stone. The top two sections are actually wood, cleverly clad in lead and painted to resemble sandstone. Atop the Westertoren sits a symbol steeped in history: the Imperial Crown of Austria, a gift from Maximilian I in 1489 to the city. It’s not golden, though. It was restored to its original blue in 2006 after a century of being painted gold to commemorate Rembrandt’s 400th birthday. The Westertoren houses the only carillon in Amsterdam that chimes 24 hours a day, a reassuring sound for many, much like it was for Anne Frank, who mentioned it in her diary. Those very bells you hear now chimed for her too. The Westertoren belongs to the Westerkerk, a magnificent Renaissance-style church completed in 1631. The Westerkerk, originally one of Amsterdam’s first Protestant churches, holds a special place in the city’s history. It hosted the wedding of Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus von Amsberg in 1966. Within the Westerkerk lies the impressive Duyschot organ, finally installed in 1686 after initial resistance to organ music in Protestant services. Its shutters showcase stunning paintings by Gerard de Lairesse. The Westerkerk’s crypt served as a burial place for prominent figures like Rembrandt, his son Titus, and his mistress Hendrickje Stoffels. Their exact locations are lost to time. The Westertoren, a steadfast presence, links us to those who came before, reminding us of Amsterdam’s rich and complex past.