The Amsterdam Montelbaanstoren has been part of the Amsterdam skyline since 1516. It has been standing as a sentinel on the Amsterdam canals to a time when the city needed defenses of this type. Whilst the city has changed a lot over 500 years, the Amsterdam Montelbaanstoren has stood the testament of time. It is only in 1606 that changes happened to the tower, these were to make the tower more decorative and it hasn’t changed since.
Standing on the bank of the Oudeschans canal in the old town of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Montelbaanstoren is an imposing but striking landmark. Towering over the canal and local houses, the Montelbaanstoren silhouettes the local area with its elegant architecture.
The Montelbaanstoren Towers Architectural Design
Built in the early 16th century, the tower was originally designed with two purposes in mind. The first was a defensive tower on the busy waterways of the Amsterdam canals. Its location close to the shipyards and port of the time meant it was a strategic tower along the network of defenses in the city. The second purpose was to be a prominent landmark so sailors travelling the canals could use it for navigation.
In 1606 the tower was added to and made more decorative by Hendrick de Keyser. Hendrick de Keyser added the top half of the Amsterdam Montelbaanstoren, giving it the clock tower and ornate spire. This increased the height of the tower to 48 metres (157 feet).
Architecturally, the tower is a beautiful example of the Golden Age in the Dutch Renaissance period. This is clear to see by its red brick facade, decorative design and stepped gables.
The elegance and beauty of the tower was known back in the 17th century. The Montelbaanstoren being a favoured subject of Rembrandt. Rembrandt drew the tower a few times during his lifetime, including a Reed-pen and bistre small drawing circa 1652-53.
Sentinel of Time
The city has changed for good and bad over time. Amsterdam’s fortunes flowed up and down with fires, wars and time itself. The Montelbaanstoren has stood tall and seen it all. The continued urban development over 100’s of years happened around the tower, yet it stood as a beacon of Amsterdam’s resilience and spirit.
Today the tower stands as a decorative and eye-catching landmark of a time gone by. It is a popular location for people to visit as they journey around the city. You cannot go inside the tower, but its exterior is worth the visit.
Amsterdam Montelbaanstoren in Folklore
There are a few folklore stories associated with the Montelbaanstoren, these all relate to the tower being haunted. One tale tells of a family appearing at the tower on the 2nd June each year, the date something terrible happened to the family as they fled to the tower.
Another tells of a sailor or soldier who was stationed at the tower and fell in love. Sent away to battle the sailor or soldier died at war and now his soul searches the tower restlessly for his lost love.
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