Just round the corner from the Anne Frank Huis, the Protestant Westerkerk is yet another ecclesiastical masterpiece by the Dutch celebrity architect of the 17th century, Hendrick de Keyser (who also designed the Noorderkerk and the Zuiderkerk), as part of the new development of the Grachtengordel (Canal Ring). The foundation stone was laid in 1620 (de Keyser died a year later), and the tower was finally completed in 1638; it is more than 85m tall (270 ft.) and is topped with the gilded Crown of Maximilian. Every 15 minutes the carillon bells ring out across the city but the church itself is austere inside; in chime with the Calvinist beliefs of the time there is no altar, but the gold and silver pipes and Baroque sculpture adorning the organ make up for the lack of ornamentation. It is the burial place of Rembrandt—although no one knows where his grave is on the unmarked stone floor—as well as his wife Saskia and son Titus. It is also the venue for several royal weddings.
Amsterdam› Attraction
Westerkerk
Prinsengracht 281
Our Rating
Hours
Mon–Sat 10am–3pm; Sun services only
Phone
020/624-7766
Prices
Free admission
Web site
Westerkerk
Map
Prinsengracht 281 AmsterdamNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.