The Weeping Tower

The Weeping Tower

The Weeping Tower was built in 1516 next to Lake IJssel, standing 48 meters tall. It was originally constructed to defend the city of Amsterdam as a watchtower where guards were stationed. By 1606, it was no longer used as a watchtower, so a spire was added to the top. Four years later, the Weeping Tower began to lean, and the citizens of Amsterdam installed chains at the top to keep the tower upright.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Weeping Tower was the departure point for fleets of the Dutch East India Company, where families came to bid farewell. The tower is made of red brick and earned the name “Weeping Tower” because both those seeing off loved ones and the sailors themselves would shed tears of sorrow here as a sign of their heartfelt goodbyes. Today, the Weeping Tower serves as the office of the Dutch water management authority and water board, where the water levels of Amsterdam’s canals are monitored.

Montelbaanstoren

Must-visit reason: The most poignant tower in the Netherlands

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Netherlands[Netherlands]

Province/state where the attraction is located: North Holland [North Holland]

City where the attraction is located: Amsterdam [Amsterdam]