Westerkerk is a 17th-century Protestant church on Prinsengracht, beside Amsterdam’s Jordaan and close to the Anne Frank House. Hendrick de Keyser designed it in Dutch Renaissance style, and its 85-metre Westertoren is the city’s tallest church tower. Inside, look for the large organ and the church’s calm, spacious interior. Rembrandt is buried here, and the bells that Anne Frank wrote about still sound over the neighbourhood. The church also hosts organ concerts; check current arrangements before planning a visit around one.
A Protestant church on the canal belt
Westerkerk stands on Prinsengracht, at the edge of the Jordaan and close to the Anne Frank House. Hendrick de Keyser designed the church in Dutch Renaissance style. Construction began in 1620, and it opened in 1631. At the time, it was the largest Protestant church in the world.
Its location places it among Amsterdam’s 17th-century canal scenery. From outside, take in the church’s tall windows, brickwork and prominent spire. The tower rises 85 metres above the neighbourhood and is the tallest church tower in Amsterdam.
The Westertoren and its bells
The church tower, known as the Westertoren, is a familiar landmark above the Jordaan. Its spire carries a crown associated with Emperor Maximilian I, who granted Amsterdam the right to use his royal insignia in 1489. The tower’s bells sound over the surrounding streets; Anne Frank wrote about hearing them from the secret annex where she was in hiding.
The tower can be visited only with a guide. Information in the available material describes a climb to a viewing level with city views, but tour access and arrangements should be checked before you go.
Inside the church
The interior is spacious and comparatively restrained. Look for the large organ, whose painted shutters are among the details noted inside. The church is also associated with Rembrandt, who was buried there, and with royal weddings, including that of Queen Beatrix in 1966.
Organ concerts and other musical events take place at Westerkerk. Concert schedules and entry arrangements differ, so check the church’s own website before planning your visit around a performance. The church’s weekday visitor hours are limited, and it is closed to visitors over the Christmas period noted in the available information.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee for Westerkerk?
The available information says no entrance fee is required. Concerts or other events may ask for a donation, so check the terms for the event you plan to attend.
Can you climb the Westerkerk tower?
Yes, the tower is visited on a guided tour. Check current tour arrangements before making the climb part of your plans.
What are the visitor hours for Westerkerk?
The church is listed as open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check its website before visiting, as access can be limited.
What is Westerkerk known for?
The church is known for its Dutch Renaissance architecture, its 85-metre tower and its bells. Rembrandt was buried there, and Anne Frank wrote about hearing the bells from the secret annex.
