Westerkerk

The Westerkerk was officially opened on Whitsunday 1631. It is one of the oldest churches especially built for the Protestant services, and the largest as such church in the Netherlands.

The tower, which occupies a unique place in the affections of the people of Amsterdam, bears the symbol of the imperial crown of Maximilian of Austria, which was his gift to the city in gratitude for support given tot the Austro-Burgundian princes. It has inspired many songs and poems and remains a symbol of the city for Amsterdammers abroad.

Rembrandt, one of the world’s most famous painters, was buried in the church.

Near the church and in view of the tower, Anne Fank wrote her diary in the Annex, her hiding place from the Nazis.