The Westerkerk ("western church") is considered to be the best work by Hendrick de Keyser. Its construction started in 1620 and finished in 1631, ten years after the prominent Amsterdam architect died.
The Church has been reconstructed and rebuilt several times. However, the original appearance has been mainly kept. The Westerkerk was built in the Dutch Renaissance style characterized by combinations of stone and bricks.
The temple was totally reconstructed in 1985 to 1990.
The Westerkerk is situated on the bank of the Prinsengracht canal. Its 85-meter (277-feet) high bell tower, the Tall Jan as people call it, is the tallest in Amsterdam. The 186 steps can be climbed on a guided tour, providing fantastic views of the city. For extra excitement, it sways a bit when it is windy.
The crown topping the spire is the Imperial Crown of Austria that is depicted on the municipal arms. In 1489, Maximilian I granted the right to decorate the Amsterdam coats of arms with the Royal Crown. After Maximilian I became the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 1508, the Royal Crown was replaced with the Imperial Crown.
The Westerkerk bells were cast by Francois Hemony. Gerard de Lairesse painted the 17th-century organ shutters.
However, the Westerkerk is mostly known for the painter Rembrandt van Rijn and his love who were buried inside the Church. The exact location of the grave is unknown, but presumed to be somewhere along the northern wall. Rembrandt's lover is also buried here Some other prominent painters are also buried in the Church.
On 10 March, 1966, Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus were married in the Church.
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