Westerkerk, Amsterdam
Exterior of the Westerkerk, which is open only in the summer. Author.
Inside the Westerkerk. Photos: Claude Covo-Farchi.
The Renaissance-style Westerkerk (West Church) in Amsterdam shelters the remains of Rembrandt and his son, Titus, and is where in 1966 Princess (now Queen) Beatrix and Prince Claus said their marriage vows.
Construction on the Westerkerk began in 1620, at the same time as the Noorderkerk, and opened in 1631. The initial designer was Hendrick de Keyser, whose son Pieter took over after his father's death in 1621. The church's interior, light and spacious, has a fine organ.
The 85m (277-ft.) tower, the Westertoren, is Amsterdam's tallest, providing a spectacular panoramic view of the city—and a bit of a sway on a windy day. On its top is the blue, red, and gold imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire, a symbol bestowed by the Austrian emperor Maximilian. You can climb the tower's 186 interior steps on a guided tour.
Map
Location map and satellite view of the Westerkerk in Amsterdam. Using the slider on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. You can explore all of from space on our Amsterdam Satellite Map or on Google Earth.
Quick Facts
| Location: | Westermarkt, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Phone: | 020/624-7766 |
| URL: | www.westerkerk.nl |
| Tram: | 6, 13, 14, or 17 to Westermarkt |
| Hours: | June-Sept Mon-Sat 10am-5pm |
| Cost: | Church: Free. Tower: 3€ |
Sources
- Frommer's Amsterdam
- Personal visit (exterior only; November 2006)
