Westerkerk History, Travel Information, Hotels, Facts And More
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PERSONAL INFORMATION
NAME
Westerkerk
COUNTRY
Netherlands
ADDRESS
Prinsengracht 279, 1016 GW Amsterdam, Netherlands
WESTERKERK PICTURE
More Information
About Westerkerk
Westerkerk is a church located in central Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is the largest Protestant denomination throughout the Netherlands. The construction of the church started in 1620 under the guidance of architect Hendrick de Keyser in Renaissance style. However, he could not complete his work and die. Keyser was buried in the church and his work was completed by Pieter de Keyser. The construction of the church was completed in 1631. It is about 58 meters in height while 29 meters in width. The church lies between the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht in the Centrum borough next to the Jordaan. You can easily arrive using bus number 170 or 172 from Centraal Station or tram lime 13 or 17. It is located at just 20 minutes walking distance from the station. The church opens at 11 am and closes at 3:00 pm every day except on Sunday where there is a religious service at church. There is no ticket to enter the church but if anyone wanted to climb the tower, they have to pay 7 Euro per person, and children below the age of six are not allowed.
Some Lesser Known Facts About Westerkerk
- The church has witnessed the royal wedding of Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus von Amsberg in March 1966.
- It is also mentioned in the diary of Anne Frank who hid in a house which is very close to this church for two years from Nazi prosecution at the time of the Second World War. She has written that the chiming of the carillon was very relaxing for them who were living in that condition. She had seen the clock-face of the tower from the attic of the Achterhuis many times. You can also see the memorial statue of Anne Frank which is situated outside the church at Westermarkt.
- Though the construction of the church was completed in 1631 the bell tower was made in 1638. It is the highest structure in Amsterdam with a height of 85 meters.
- Every Tuesday between noon and 1:00 PM there is a concert is organized in the church in which the university students played 42 bells which could be heard from outside. It is a very exciting moment and should not be missed if anyone is visiting Amsterdam.
- Some of the important people whose burials are done in the church include Rembrandt van Rijn Titus van Rijn, and Hendrickje Stoffels among others.
- If you want some guided tours you must visit the church in April or in October. It costs around 85 Euro and is beyond the usual opening hours of the church.
- Various musical concerts are held in the church throughout the year.
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