Speeltoren, Monnickendam, Bell tower in Monnickendam, Netherlands
The Speeltoren rises above Monnickendam's city hall with a white painted facade and a mechanical clock set into its face. The tower rests on a square base and is topped by a pointed roof crowned with a weather vane.
The tower was built during the original church construction of 1355 and remains the sole preserved structure from that early religious complex. It has survived the city's changes and stood in place for over six centuries.
The tower houses fifteen bells that form the Netherlands' first carillon, and their sounds continue to ring through Monnickendam's streets today.
The tower can be visited by arrangement, so it's best to contact the museum beforehand to confirm access. The climb up involves a spiral staircase and offers views across the city from higher levels.
The tower features a mechanical Angel of Fame mounted on top that lifts its trumpet each hour, maintaining this ritual for centuries. This moving figure is its own work of art that many visitors overlook.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
