WESTERKERK

Description

Essentials about the Westerkerk in brief

A visit to the Westerkerk (West Church) is worthwhile not only for devout Protestants and churchgoers. Located between Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht on the edge of the in-district Jordaan, the church has the largest nave of any Protestant church in the Netherlands, measuring 58 meters in length and 29 meters in width, and also boasts Amsterdam’s tallest steeple at 85 meters. The climb up the tower of the Westerkerk pays off, because from the top opens a magnificent view of the historic center of Amsterdam.

The tower of the Westerkerk

The Westerkerk was built in the years 1620 to 1631 in the Renaissance style. Even more famous than the church itself is the tower of the Westerkerk. At 85 meters high, it is the tallest church tower in Amsterdam and can be seen from afar. The tower can be climbed; from the observation deck you have a beautiful view of the historic center of the city. The special feature of the tower is its ending with the imperial crown of Maximilian I. In 1489, he had allowed the city of Amsterdam to use his crown in its coat of arms (by the way, the neighboring Keizersgracht is also named after Maximilian).

The interior of the Westerkerk

Inside the church is buried one of the most famous sons of the Netherlands. In 1669, the painter Rembrandt van Rijn, completely impoverished, was buried in a pauper’s grave in the northern part of the church. However, the exact location of the tomb is unknown. Rembrandt’s son Titus and his mistress Hendrickje Stoffels are also buried in the church.

The organ and the carillon of the Westerkerk

The organ and the carillon of the Westerkerk are also very famous. During the summer months (from May to September), free half-hour organ concerts are held every Friday at noon at 1 pm. The carillon can be heard all year round on Tuesdays between 12 and 13 o’clock.