The Westertoren — the most photographed monument in Amsterdam

There is one subject that keeps recurring in my work: the Westertoren. Not because I consciously planned it that way, but because this tower imposes itself everywhere. Around every corner, at the end of every canal, above the rooftops of the Jordaan — the Ouwe Wester is simply always there.

A tower with a soul

The Westertoren was built between 1619 and 1631 to a design by Hendrick de Keyser. At 85 meters, it is the tallest church tower in Amsterdam. But it is not its height that makes it special — it is the way it is intertwined with the city’s daily life. Rembrandt lived within walking distance. Anne Frank heard the bells from her hiding place. The residents of the Jordaan affectionately called it the Ouwe Wester (Old Wester).

My favorite places

Over the years, I have photographed the Westertoren from dozens of angles. A few favorites:

From the Bloemgracht, you see the tower reflected in the water, flanked by the characteristic canal houses. Early in the morning, when the sun is still low and the canal is quiet, this is perhaps the most beautiful view of Amsterdam.

The Prinsengracht offers a classic perspective — the tower behind the trees, the boats in the water, the bicycles on the bridge. Timeless Amsterdam.

From Bloemstraat in the Jordaan, you see the tower up close, with the narrow streets and courtyards surrounding it. It is here that you truly feel how big it is.

From color to black and white

I have photographed the Westertoren in all seasons and in all lighting conditions — in color, in black and white, in the fog, at sunset, and at dusk. Each light lends a different character. The black-and-white versions have a timeless quality — as if you are looking at a photograph from the 1950s. The color variations bring back the vibrancy of the city.

By now, several Westertoren photos have been sold via FotoAmsterdam.com and hang on walls in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Each work tells its own story about this special tower.

Curious about the available works? View the Jordaan collection and the Amsterdam canals collection.

Would you like to use one of these iconic Westerkerk images for your own website? You can buy licensed photos of the Amsterdam Westerkerk directly here.