The Westerkerk, the Protestant church on the Prinsengracht, was built between 1620 and 1631 to designs by Hendrick de Keyser. Its tower, the Westertoren, is the tallest in Amsterdam and can be spotted from far across the canal district. Admission is free, Monday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm, with Saturday opening added in July and August. Rembrandt was buried here in 1669 and the Anne Frank House is its next-door neighbour: allow 20 to 30 minutes for the nave, the organ and the painter's memorial plaque.
Highlights
The Westertoren
About 85 metres high, the tower is topped by an imperial crown, the city's emblem. Its carillon, whose bells were cast by François Hemony, rings several times a day; Anne Frank mentions it in her diary. The tower belongs to the City of Amsterdam and is currently closed to visitors.
The nave and the great organ
The church is 48 metres long and 28 metres wide, under a wooden vault 27.5 metres high. The great organ, built by Roelof Barentsz. Duyschot from 1681, dominates the west entrance; its shutters were painted by Gerard de Lairesse. The twelve brass chandeliers bear the city's coat of arms.
The pulpit and the magistrates' pews
The 17th-century pulpit stands at the centre of the building, where the two Greek crosses that shape its plan meet. Around the pillars, the large wooden pews recall the days when burgomasters and wealthy merchants had reserved seats.
Rembrandt's plaque
Rembrandt, who spent the end of his life on the nearby Rozengracht, was buried in the church on 8 October 1669. The exact location of his grave is unknown; a memorial plaque hangs on the north wall.
Organ concerts
An organ recital of about 30 minutes takes place on Wednesdays at 1 pm. In July and August, free organ concerts are given every day from 1 pm to 1.30 pm.
Opening hours and prices
Free admission, donations welcome (cash or card). Open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm from September to June, Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm in July and August. Closed on Boxing Day (26 December), 1 January, 27 April, Ascension Day and Whit Monday, as well as on some event days (in October 2026: 1, 2 and 10 October and from 20 to 26 October). Sunday service at 10.30 am.
Infos pratiques
Tips
The tower cannot be visited at the moment: do not plan on a climb to the top. The church regularly closes for concerts or private hire; the list of closing days is published on the Westerkerk website. Guided tours are by appointment with the church only. On the Westermarkt, in front of the church, stands the Homomonument, a memorial to gay men and lesbians persecuted for their sexuality. Prices checked in October 2026.
How to get there
Prinsengracht 281, 1016 GW Amsterdam; visitor entrance at Prinsengracht 279, wheelchair accessible. A 20-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal station. During the Rozengracht roadworks, no tram serves the Westermarkt stop: get off at the Dam tram stop, a 10-minute walk away. The nearest metro station is Rokin (line 52), about 15 minutes on foot.
Opening hours
Nearby
Comments
No comments yet.