Westerkerk

Located between the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, footsteps from the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk (Western Church) is a Reformed church within Dutch Protestant Calvinism in central Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Westerkerk was built over 11 years from 1620 in Renaissance style according to designs by architect Hendrick de Keyser and was the first biggest Protestant church in the world . The church has a rectangular shape, is 58 metres (190 feet) long and 29 metres (95 feet) wide. Since first opening to parishioners in 1631, the Westerkerk has borne witness to countless historical moments over the centuries. Rembrandt van Rijn is buried in the Westerkerk, as are several other famous Dutch artists. Anne Frank mentioned the church and its tower several times in her famous diary. Former Queen Beatrix was also married there back in 1966... Open: Monday to Friday 11.00 a.m. – 3 p.m. Closed for visitors: 25 December until 2 January No entrance fee needed

A nice little church located closely to the Anne Frank house yet many people skip. Rembrands burial place which makes it all the more interesting.

… history coming alive by visiting this more that 400 years old protestant church. Built through 1620-1631 on the heart of the beauty Amsterdam. Hearing the bells is going back hiding on the secret room of Anna Frank whose house is just near by.

The plaza near the Anne Frank House gets packed, so timing matters if you want a calm look. Worth a quick stop if you’re nearby, though it wouldn’t top my Amsterdam list.

The church is open daily only for a limited time. It is quite beautiful outside and the bell rings every half an hour. It's right next door to the Anne Frank house and on a lovely plaza commemorating victims of gender orientation prejudice. Being the church where royal weddings take place and the initial resting place of Rembrand, we were eager to visit, pleasantly surprised by the opportunity for an organ concert, plus the instrument was restored a few years back. We went for the Wednesday lunch organ concert, but were a bit late and found the door was locked for the entire concert duration. Once it opened, I observed the faces of all attendees - none appeared touched by the performance, perhaps the divine emotion was replaced by the profane donations that followed it. Donations are compulsory and the House of God feels so commercialised with the souvenir stand inside the church and the hot drinks machine facing the altar - right in the middle of the presumably quiet area for private conversations with God and for contemplating. The church is renting commercial space outside and has enough room in its lobby for a shop at the entrance. So sad and disappointing.

Church built in the 1600's. Asides from the magnificent organ, nothing much to see.

Westerkerk towers gracefully over the Jordaan district and is one of Amsterdam’s most striking landmarks. I didn’t enter, but even from the outside, the tall windows, the detailed brickwork, and the iconic spire topped with the Imperial Crown of Austria make it worth pausing for. The church’s proximity to the Anne Frank House gives the whole area a deeper emotional gravity. A beautiful piece of Dutch Renaissance architecture that anchors the skyline.

Westerkerk is a stunning historic church with beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. The tower offers an amazing view of the city. A must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Amsterdam.