On this square, we come to the Westerkerk, the most famous church in the canal ring. Its fame stems from the fact that its distinctive tower can be seen from many spots in Amsterdam. You can climb its tower, the Westertoren, if you like. There is a wonderful view of the canal ring from up there, and you can see all the way from harbours in the North to the Rijksmuseum in the South.

Perhaps you had already noticed the Westertoren when you were still quite a distance from it? The tower is easy to recognise because of its characteristic dome with the crown on top. You don’t see many church towers like this one in Northern Europe. In fact, the Westerkerk is the only church in the Netherlands with a cross like that one on top of it. If you want to know why, do the quiz.

You can also view the inside of the Westerkerk, but if the church is closed, you will have all the more reason to visit it again. Despite its relatively plain interior compared to Catholic churches, this Protestant house of worship is certainly worth a look. The way the light strikes the interior of this freestanding church is remarkable and creates an unusual ambience. Moreover, the artist Rembrandt van Rijn, who painted the ‘Night Watch’, was buried in this church.