Montelbaanstoren is a historic tower beside the Oudeschans canal, at Oudeschans 2 in Amsterdam. Built in the early 16th century as part of the city’s defences, it combines a sturdy brick base with an ornate upper section and spire added in 1606 by architect Hendrick de Keyser. Its slight lean and clock gave it the nickname “Silly Tower,” linked to the bells ringing at odd times. The tower is not open to visitors, so plan to see it from the canal path or from a boat.
A tower built for defence
Montelbaanstoren was built in the early 16th century as part of Amsterdam’s defences. It stands by the Oudeschans canal, near the junction with Waalseilandsgracht, and is one of the surviving elements of the city’s former defensive works. As Amsterdam grew, the tower was no longer used for its original defensive purpose.
The tower has a brick lower section and a decorative upper part. In 1606, Hendrick de Keyser added an upper structure, spire and clock. The tower’s bells were known for ringing at unexpected times, which gave it the nickname “Malle Jaap,” also rendered as “Silly Tower.”
Seeing Montelbaanstoren today
The tower is not a museum open to visitors. It is used for municipal water management and office space, so the visit is an outdoor stop: view it from the canal-side paths, take photographs or see it from a boat tour.
The tower’s slight lean is part of its distinctive outline. Accounts say it was reset on a stronger foundation after leaning too far in 1610. For a quieter view, cross the canal at sunrise or dusk, when the light and reflections show the tower against the water. The bells are reported to sound on the hour and half-hour.
Perguntas frequentes
Can you go inside Montelbaanstoren?
No. The tower is not open to visitors; it is used for municipal water management and office space.
When was Montelbaanstoren built?
It was built in the early 16th century as part of Amsterdam’s defences. Hendrick de Keyser added its decorative upper section, spire and clock in 1606.
Where can you see Montelbaanstoren?
It stands beside the Oudeschans canal at Oudeschans 2 in Amsterdam. You can view it from the canal paths or from a boat tour.
When is a good time to photograph Montelbaanstoren?
Sunrise and dusk bring soft light and reflections on the canal.
