The Westerkerk (Western Church) is one of the most prominent landmarks on the city skyline, as well as in the collective memory of Amsterdammers: even Anne Frank wrote in her diary that she could hear the chimes of the famous church bells from her attic hide-out.
The Westerkerk, which stands just outside the border of Amsterdam's Jordaan district, is certainly beloved for its musical nature: its 48-bell carillon sounds out every Tuesday from 12 - 1 p.m.
The Renaissance church also holds the unmarked tomb of painter Rembrandt van Rijn; upon his death as a destitute man, he was buried in the nearest church, as was customary at the time.
What's to See at the Westerkerk:
Tourists adore the Westerkerk for the urban vistas it affords from its 278-foot tower -- after one climbs the 186 steps, that is. The reward, however, is a lovely panorama of Amsterdam that vanquishes any exhaustion.
The interior architecture of the Westerkerk is no less impressive, with a majestic simplicity that's characteristic of Dutch Renaissance churches. Tourists can also coordinate their visit with the Westerkerk's broad calendar of orchestral and vocal music concerts, such as the popular lunchpauzeconcerten (lunch-break concerts), to appreciate the church's musicality from inside and out.
Westerkerk Visitor Information:
Westerkerk Location
Prinsengracht 281
Westerkerk (Western Church) Hours
- April - June, October - Open Mon - Fri, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- July - September - Open Mon - Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Westerkerk Admission: Free
Westertoren (Western Tower) Hours
The Westertoren can only be accessed in conjunction with a tour.
- April - June, September: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., on the half-hour (last tour 5:30 p.m.)
- July - August: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., on the half-hour (last tour 7:30 p.m.
- October: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., on the half-hour (last tour 3:30 p.m.)
- November 1 - March 31: By appointment only.
Westertoren Admission: € 6
Get There
- By foot - From Amsterdam Central Station, head south on Spuistraat; turn right on Torunsteeg, which turns first into Oude Leliestraat, then Leliegracht. Make a final left on Prinsengracht and head south until the Westerkerk.
- By bus - Line 142, 170 or 172 to "Westermarkt".
More Information
Call +31 (0)20 624 7766 or visit the Westerkerk web site.
