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All 476 Amsterdam Attractions »

West Church (Westerkerk)

Prinsengracht 279-281, Amsterdam 1016, The Netherlands
020/624-7766
Ranked #46 of 243 attractions in Amsterdam
4.0 of 5 stars 29 Reviews
Type: Churches/ Cathedrals
Owner description: This magnificent Renaissance church (circa 1620) is identified by its high tower (more than 245 feet high,) and is the site of Rembrandt's grave who...... more » Owner description: This magnificent Renaissance church (circa 1620) is identified by its high tower (more than 245 feet high,) and is the site of Rembrandt's grave who was buried here in 1669. « less
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29 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    10
    6
    1
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Date Rating
London
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012

Climb the 186 stairs with an enthusiastic guide who will tell you all about the tower and the bells. The view from the balcony is great (providing the weather is good!) and you can clearly see the ouside of the Anne Frank House. Be prepared to climb some very steep stairs! More

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See 7 more reviews by Librarian059 for Amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2012

especially climbing the tower is nice since you have a beautiful view of the city lying below. More

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See 6 more reviews by Floris V for Amsterdam
Hampshire
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

You need to book one of the six places to go up the tower. They run every 30 mins, it's not possible to view on your own. You are not permitted to take any bags with you up the tower, they are locked away safely in a storage room. You get a great view of the city, and the guide... More

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See 4 more reviews by Vegibores for Amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 March 2012

now mainly used as an exhibition center, great venue More

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See 59 more reviews by e_lexx for Amsterdam
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 February 2012

My 11 year old son and I waited for a tour (I think they're ever hour or so) and climbed the many stairs to the tower...not great if you're claustrophobic! Our guide was very kind and spoke perfect english. He explained the history of the church and even let my son pull on the bell rope. A worthwhile little jaunt. More

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See 9 more reviews by Mrsvanm for Amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 January 2012

Right next door to the Anne Frank House, this church is awfully pretty on the outside. I like church bells and this church has a very unique ring to it. More

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See 11 more reviews by Bubviv for Amsterdam
Baarn
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 January 2012

Very old church, nice to watch and listen to a concert. Next to the church is the gaymonument. Very famous in the city. More

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See 7 more reviews by Hans_20955 for Amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
60 helpful votes 60 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2012

After the reformation, the protestants in Amsterdam used the large Catholic churches, white-washed and all. The Westerkerk was the first really big and purposley built church for protestant services. Its bigest treasure is its wonderful, in architecture and sound, organ, and for music lovers an organconcert here is a must go. The Anne Frank House is next to the church More

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See 8 more reviews by sanderva for Amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 October 2011
1
person found this review helpful

I am writing a review on this simply because it is a church with a unique view, and also right next to the Anne Frank House. You could make a nice afternoon seeing both. The church itself is not so lavishly decorated inside, but there are a number of "famous people" buried here, including Saskia, who was Rembrandt's wife. The... More

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See 5 more reviews by Netrobes for Amsterdam
Dublin, Ireland
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 October 2011

Church was lovely , tour of the tower not for anyone afraid of heights , More

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