The Westerkerk in Amsterdam is not only one of the most beautiful churches in the Netherlands, but also one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. With its proud tower—the Westertoren—rising high above the canals, the church has served as a point of orientation in the Amsterdam city centre for centuries. The Westerkerk is inseparably linked with the Dutch Golden Age, the House of Orange, and the poignant history of Anne Frank, who often wrote about the tower’s bells in her diary.
A Masterpiece of the Golden Age
The Westerkerk was built between 1620 and 1631, during a period when Amsterdam was becoming the richest trading city in Europe. The rapidly growing population required new churches, and the Westerkerk was intended to be the crown jewel of the newly developed canal belt.
The architect Hendrick de Keyser—also known for the Zuiderkerk and the City Hall (now the Royal Palace on Dam Square)—designed the church in the Dutch Renaissance style. After his death in 1621, his son Pieter de Keyser took over the project and completed it in 1631.
The church was dedicated to Protestant worship—an important symbol of the newly formed Dutch Republic, which had recently gained independence from Spain. The interior was sober yet impressive: bright, spacious, and filled with light, with high vaults and wooden beams reflecting the simplicity of Calvinist design.
Source: Amsterdam City Archives, public domain
Architecture and Design
The Westerkerk is a three-aisled cruciform basilica of imposing dimensions: 58 metres long, 29 metres wide, and nearly 28 metres high. It is the largest Protestant church in the Netherlands built specifically for Protestant services.
The exterior is composed of brick with natural stone accents, typical of the Dutch Renaissance. Pilasters, pediments, and elegant windows give the building a harmonious and balanced appearance.
The Westertoren – Amsterdam’s Highest Church Tower
The most striking element of the Westerkerk is the Westertoren, at 85 metres the tallest church tower in Amsterdam. It is crowned with the famous imperial crown of Maximilian of Austria, a symbol that also appears on Amsterdam’s coat of arms.
From the tower, visitors enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the city. The bells became world-famous through Anne Frank, who wrote in her diary that she heard them ringing from the Secret Annex.
Source: National Archives, public domain
The Westerkerk and the House of Orange
The Westerkerk has a special connection with the Dutch royal family. In 1642, Rembrandt van Rijn—the greatest painter of the Golden Age—was buried here, although the exact location of his grave remains unknown.
In 1669, the baptism of William III of Orange, who would later become King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, was celebrated here. And in the 20th century the bond with the monarchy was renewed when Princess Beatrix and Claus von Amsberg were married in the Westerkerk in 1966. The images of the festive procession across Dam Square remain iconic in Dutch history.
The Westerkerk and Anne Frank
No other church in Amsterdam is so closely associated with the memory of Anne Frank. During the Second World War, Anne wrote in her diary about the comfort she found in the sound of the Westertoren’s bells, which she could hear from the Secret Annex at Prinsengracht 263, only a few metres away.
She wrote on 11 July 1942:
“The Westertoren clock rings every quarter of an hour, and although the sound is not loud, it tells me again and again: there is still a world outside the house”
Today, visitors to the Anne Frank House can still see and hear the tower—a tangible reminder of her words and her time in hiding.
Source: Amsterdam City Archives, publisher Gebroeders Douwes
Things to See In and Around the Westerkerk
A visit to the Westerkerk is more than a glimpse of a historic building—it is a journey into the soul of Amsterdam.
1. The Interior
Although many Catholic decorations were removed during the Reformation, the interior’s simplicity is striking. Tall windows flood the space with light, while the wooden barrel vault creates warm acoustics.
Inside the church you will find:
- An impressive organ from 1686, built by Roelof Barentsz. Duyschot and later expanded by Christian Müller, the builder of the famous organ in Haarlem’s Grote Kerk.
- The unmarked grave of Rembrandt van Rijn, as well as those of his son Titus and his pupil Govert Flinck.
- Memorial plaques dedicated to notable Amsterdam residents of the 17th century.
2. Climbing the Westertoren
Visitors can climb the tower with a guide. After ascending 186 steps, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city: the canals, the Anne Frank House, the Jordaan neighbourhood, and the Royal Palace all lie below.
Note: the climb is not suitable for visitors with fear of heights or limited mobility.
3. The Surroundings
The Westerkerk stands at the edge of the Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s most characteristic districts. Combine your visit with a walk along the canals, the Noordermarkt, or the Anne Frank House. On summer evenings you can also attend concerts in the church—known for its superb acoustics.
The Westerkerk Today
The Westerkerk remains an active Protestant congregation and is regularly used for services, weddings, commemorations, and concerts. It is also a popular tourist destination, welcoming thousands of international visitors each year.
The church serves as a place of reflection as well. Exhibitions on themes such as freedom, tolerance, and peace—values deeply rooted in the history of Amsterdam and the Netherlands—are frequently held here.
The Westerkerk Foundation oversees the preservation and management of the building, and organizes cultural events and guided tours. Much of the proceeds go toward restoration and maintenance of the monument.
Planning Your Visit to the Westerkerk
Address:
Westerkerk Amsterdam
Prinsengracht 279-281, 1016 GW Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
- Church: usually open from 10:00 to 15:00 (Monday–Saturday)
- Tower climb: April to October, daily from 10:00 to 14:00 (guided tour only)
- Services: Sundays at 10:30
Admission (subject to change):
- Church visit: free (donations welcome)
- Tower climb: €9 per person
- Guided tours: prices vary, reservation recommended
Tips:
- Visit early in the morning to avoid queues.
- Combine the church with the Anne Frank House for deeper historical context.
- Climb the Westertoren for an unforgettable view.
- Note: due to narrow staircases, children under 8 cannot climb the tower.
The Westerkerk as a Symbol of Amsterdam
The Westerkerk is more than a monument—it is a symbol of Amsterdam’s identity. It embodies the spirit of the city: open, free, and deeply rooted in its history. From Rembrandt to Anne Frank, from royal weddings to modern concerts, the church remains a place where past and present meet.
With its distinctive tower, rich history, and place in world literature, the Westerkerk is one of Amsterdam’s most meaningful landmarks.
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