Amsterdam · Historic church

Westerkerk: Amsterdam's Grandest Church and Its Famous Tower

The Westerkerk has watched over the Prinsengracht since 1631. Its 85-metre Westertoren is the city's tallest church tower, Rembrandt is buried somewhere under its floor, and its bells kept time for Anne Frank in hiding. Here is what to see and how to visit.

By the AllTrips Editorial Team · October 3, 2026

The Westerkerk and its Westertoren seen from a canal bridge at dusk in Amsterdam — The Westerkerk at dusk, seen from the bridge over the Prinsengracht.

Westerkerk at a glance

Area: the Jordaan, on the corner of the Prinsengracht and the Westermarkt. Allow: 30–45 minutes. Entry: free (donations welcome); tower climbs are ticketed separately. Nearby: Anne Frank House, Dam Square and the Begijnhof.

The story of the church

The Westerkerk was built between 1620 and 1631 as part of the great expansion of Amsterdam's canal ring, designed by the city architect Hendrick de Keyser in a restrained Dutch Renaissance style. It was a Protestant church for the wealthy new canal district — spacious, light and deliberately plain compared with the Catholic churches it replaced.

Its tower, the Westertoren, rises 85 metres and is crowned with the blue-and-gold Imperial Crown of Maximilian of Austria, a symbol Amsterdam was granted in the 15th century. The tower's carillon still rings out over the Jordaan — the same bells Anne Frank heard from the Secret Annex next door, until they were taken away during the war. Rembrandt, who lived nearby in his final, impoverished years, was buried here in 1669 in an unmarked grave.

The white vaulted interior of the Westerkerk in Amsterdam with its chandeliers and wooden pulpit — The light-filled nave, with its white walls, chandeliers and dark wooden pulpit.

What you will see

The nave — a bright, soaring space with white-painted walls, tall windows and painted wooden barrel vaults, typical of Dutch Protestant church design.
The organ — the main organ, with its decorated shutters showing biblical scenes, is one of the finest in the country; free lunchtime concerts are held in season.
Rembrandt's memorial — a plaque marks the painter's burial in the church, though the exact location of his grave is unknown.
Carved details — look up for stone carvings of Amsterdam's coat of arms, with its three St Andrew's crosses, held by cherubs above the doorways.
The Westertoren — from the Westermarkt outside, look up at the blue imperial crown on top of the tower; guided climbs run in season.

Stone carving of cherubs holding the coat of arms of Amsterdam inside the Westerkerk — Cherubs holding Amsterdam's coat of arms — the three St Andrew's crosses you see all over the city.

Aerial view of the Westertoren rising over the Prinsengracht canal on King's Day in Amsterdam — The Westertoren above the Prinsengracht on King's Day, when the canals fill with orange boats.

Getting there

The church is on the Westermarkt, right beside the Anne Frank House. From Centraal Station it is about a 20-minute walk through the Jordaan, or take a tram to the Westermarkt stop. From Dam Square, walk west along the Raadhuisstraat — around ten minutes on foot.

Practical tips

Entry is free, but the church closes to tourists during services — Sunday mornings in particular. Check opening times before you go.
Time your visit for a free lunchtime organ concert if one is on — the acoustics are superb.
Tower climbs are seasonal, guided and involve steep narrow stairs; book ahead and skip it if you are unsteady on ladders.
Combine it with the Anne Frank House next door — but book that museum weeks in advance, as tickets sell out.
The best photo of the tower is from the bridges over the Prinsengracht, especially towards sunset.
See every stop on our Amsterdam attractions map.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Westerkerk free to visit?

Yes — entry to the church itself is free, though a small donation is appreciated. The church is a working place of worship, so it can close to visitors during services, especially on Sundays.

Can you climb the Westertoren?

The tower can normally be visited on guided climbs in season, with tickets sold separately. Availability changes year to year, so check the official website before your visit — the climb involves steep, narrow stairs and is not suitable for everyone.

Is Rembrandt really buried in the Westerkerk?

Yes. Rembrandt van Rijn was buried in the church in 1669, in an unmarked rented grave, as was customary. His exact resting place is unknown, but a memorial plaque inside the church honours him.

Why is the Westerkerk important to the Anne Frank story?

The church stands right next to the Anne Frank House. In her diary, Anne wrote about hearing the Westertoren's carillon bells from the Secret Annex — they were a comfort and a clock for the people in hiding. The bells were silenced when the Germans removed them in 1943.

How long should I allow for the Westerkerk?

Around 30 to 45 minutes is enough to walk through the nave, see the organ and the memorials, and look up at the painted wooden barrel vaults. Add extra time if you join a tower climb.