Westerkerk
Eemdijk 65, 3754 ND Eemdijk, Netherlands
The Westerkerk
The Westerkerk is a beautiful and historic church located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The church was built in the 14th century, with construction starting around 1320. It was designed to be a parish church serving the western part of Amsterdam, hence its name.
Over the centuries, the church has undergone several renovations and expansions.
- The Westerkerk is a Gothic-style church with a striking tower that dominates the surrounding skyline.
- The church's interior features stunning stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful wooden pews.
- The tower, which stands at 69 meters (226 feet) tall, offers breathtaking views of the city.
The Westerkerk is the final resting place of many notable Amsterdam citizens, including Rembrandt van Rijn, who was buried here in 1669.
- The church's tower has a unique "leaning" design, which makes it seem like it's tilting towards the west (hence its name).
- The Westerkerk is one of the few churches in Amsterdam that survived the bombing and destruction caused by World War II.
The Westerkerk has been used for many non-religious purposes over the centuries, including as a storage facility, a barracks, and even a movie theater.
The church's famous carillon (a set of bells played using a keyboard-like instrument) was installed in 1880 and is still played today. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Amsterdam.
The Westerkerk is an iconic and historic landmark in Amsterdam, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and architecture.
Details
Name | Westerkerk |
---|---|
City/Town | Amsterdam |
Province | North Holland |
Country | Netherlands |
Coordinates | 52.2540735, 5.3288897 |
Denomination | reformed |
Amenity | place of worship |
Religion | christian |
Operator | Nederlandse Gereformeerde Kerken (NGK) |
Year of construction | 1400 |
Time period | Early Middle Ages |
Architectural style | Gothic |
Patron | Rembrandt van Rijn |
Website | http://www.eemdijk.gkv.nl/ |