Montelbaanstoren during Amsterdam Light Festival by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

About "Montelbaanstoren during Amsterdam Light Festival"

by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

About the artwork

The Montelbaanstoren is a historic tower located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The Montelbaanstoren is located on the Oudeschans in the eastern part of Amsterdam city centre. It is close to the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood and within walking distance of Amsterdam Central Station.

The tower was built in 1516 as part of the city's defences during the Renaissance. Its construction was commissioned by Willem Eggert, lord of Purmerend and Nieuwendam, also mayor of Amsterdam, to serve as a watchtower and as part of the defensive wall around Amsterdam. It housed a bell that was rung to warn the town in case of danger or fire. In addition, the tower functioned as a toll house, where toll was collected from ships passing through the canal.

The Montelbaan Tower has a distinctive design with a square base and a slender octagonal top. It has a dial on each of its four sides. The tower's appearance is characterised by a combination of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. The tower is made of brick and features decorative elements, including stone statues and arched windows. It is about 48 metres high.

The dials on the Montelbaan Tower were added in 1606. The tower is known for having only one hand on the dials, which was common in Dutch clock design at the time. The tower originally housed a bell, known as IJzeren voet, which was used for signalling purposes. The bell was later replaced by a carillon, which is still in use.