Stompe toren, Spaarnwoude, Medieval church tower in Spaarnwoude, Netherlands
The Stompe Toren is a medieval church tower in Spaarnwoude featuring thick brick walls and a distinctive truncated form. The structure stands on peat ground and is surrounded by a cemetery containing both historical and modern graves.
The tower was rebuilt in stone after a lightning strike around 1450 and developed its distinctive truncated shape. Over time it served as a navigation landmark for ships on the IJ and later became a protected monument.
The name reflects Dutch origins, referring to its distinctive truncated shape that stands out in the flat landscape. Visitors today come to appreciate both the medieval building and the quiet atmosphere of the surrounding burial ground.
The tower is typically accessible to visitors during summer months on Sundays, so check ahead for exact opening times. The cemetery surrounding the building is easy to explore and offers a quiet place for a walk.
Two stones embedded in the tower wall mark a legendary measurement related to the fingertip span of a mythical giant named Klaas van Kieten. These stones preserve a piece of local folklore connected to the area's past.
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