Zuiderkerkstoren, Protestant church tower in Old Jewish Quarter, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Zuiderkerkstoren is an octagonal tower that rises above Amsterdam's rooftops with Renaissance features and a weathervane at the top. Originally part of a Protestant church, it offers views across the surrounding streets and buildings of the neighborhood.
The tower was completed in 1614 as part of one of Amsterdam's first Protestant churches. It marks a turning point when the city's religious identity began to change.
The name reflects its position in the southern part of the city. Today visitors passing through the neighborhood use it as a landmark to navigate the old streets and narrow passages around them.
The tower is open to visitors with guides during summer months when you can climb to the first gallery. Keep in mind that access is seasonal and the stairs can be narrow in places.
The tower holds four historic bells, one dating from 1511, Amsterdam's oldest bell. This ancient bell was once believed to protect against lightning and seeing such an early bell is a rare opportunity for visitors.
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