Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren

The Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, or Tower of Our Lady, is the tallest and most famous landmark of Amersfoort, rising about 98 metres above the old city. It is a late Gothic tower from the fifteenth century, and it is one of the tallest medieval church towers in the Netherlands. Visible from far across the surrounding countryside, it has served as a symbol of the city for centuries, and its silhouette appears on souvenirs, postcards and the city's coat of arms.

The tower was built as part of a large church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church was destroyed in January 1787, when a large quantity of gunpowder stored in it exploded. The blast killed people and destroyed or damaged many houses, and the church itself was so badly hit that it was never rebuilt. The tower survived, and it remained as a free-standing monument. A broad open space, the Lieve Vrouwekerkhof, now occupies the site of the vanished nave, and it is a pleasant square surrounded by old houses.

The tower has a role in national geography too. It was chosen as the zero point of the Rijksdriehoeksmeting, the Dutch national triangulation grid used for surveying and mapping, so every map coordinate in the country is measured from a point at its base. A small monument marks the spot. This is a good topic for visitors who like trivia and for children who enjoy a sense of being at the centre of things.

Visitors can climb the tower on guided visits. The ascent takes you up a narrow stair past the carillon, whose bells play on a regular schedule, to a gallery with views over the old centre, the Eem valley and the surrounding fields. On a clear day the view is long and rewarding, though the climb involves many steps and is not suitable for everyone. Check the times of the tours and book ahead in busy periods.

The tower is close to the other main sights of Amersfoort, including the Koppelpoort, the Muurhuizen, the Mondriaanhuis and Museum Flehite. It suits families, history lovers and photographers, and it is best seen both from the ground and from the top. Amersfoort’s tower is also floodlit in the evening.