Schreierstoren (Weeper's Tower), Amsterdam
The stout Schreierstoren, located just a short distance from Saint Nicholas Church, stands as a rare surviving fragment of Amsterdam's medieval fortifications, erected in the 15th century with the primary aim of safeguarding the city. Originally, this tower had a vantage point over the River IJ, and legend has it that it served as a spot where women would gather to bid farewell to their departing loved ones. However, like many captivating tales, this story appears to be more fiction than fact. The name "Schreierstoren" is believed to be derived from the sharp angle at which the tower was constructed, rather than any association with weeping women.
Nevertheless, a weathered stone plaque embedded in the tower wall serves as a reminder of these supposed sorrowful farewells. It should be noted that some argue that the woman depicted on the stone is not a weeping woman but rather a representation of a virgin, symbolizing the city of Amsterdam itself. Additionally, another more recent plaque commemorates the departure of Henry Hudson from this very location in the year 1609. During this significant voyage, Hudson chanced upon the "Hudson" River and an island known by the locals as Manhattan. The settlement that arose there eventually became known as New Amsterdam, a colonial possession that was only renamed New York after it was seized by the English in 1664.
Nevertheless, a weathered stone plaque embedded in the tower wall serves as a reminder of these supposed sorrowful farewells. It should be noted that some argue that the woman depicted on the stone is not a weeping woman but rather a representation of a virgin, symbolizing the city of Amsterdam itself. Additionally, another more recent plaque commemorates the departure of Henry Hudson from this very location in the year 1609. During this significant voyage, Hudson chanced upon the "Hudson" River and an island known by the locals as Manhattan. The settlement that arose there eventually became known as New Amsterdam, a colonial possession that was only renamed New York after it was seized by the English in 1664.
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Schreierstoren (Weeper's Tower) on Map
Sight Name: Schreierstoren (Weeper's Tower)
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Amsterdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Amsterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Amsterdam Food Tour
Amsterdam's food scene is a delightful fusion of local traditions and global influences. Making your way through the interlocking canals, pretty bridges, and a maze of streets laden with diverse eateries and bars may easily render you hankering for a bite to eat and/or a drink to wash it down with.
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Amsterdam's Historical Churches Walking Tour
The history of Amsterdam is deeply intertwined with its religious heritage. The city is home to several historical churches, each with its own unique charm and significance. These religious sites serve as both spiritual centers and architectural treasures that provide insight into the city's past.
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Western Canal Belt Walking Tour
Western Canal Belt is a historic neighborhood in Amsterdam that forms part of the larger Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which comprises a web of concentric canals. The three main canals making up the Western Belt are Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. They are lined with beautiful and somewhat bizarre gabled houses that were built by prosperous merchants in the 17th century,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Amsterdam Introduction Walking Tour
The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, some say, 鈥渄ances to its own beat.鈥� Indeed, Amsterdam 鈥� where 鈥渉ipness meets history鈥� 鈥� has a rather unusual life rhythm and style, famously manifested in the air of legalized cannabis, coffee shops, and the Red Light District. In large part, this 鈥渁ir of freedom鈥� attracts annually to the city over five million visitors.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
As a small fishing village,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jodenbuurt (Jewish Quarter) of Amsterdam had been the center of the Dutch Jewish community from the 16th century up until the Second World War. The neighborhood is best known as the birthplace of Baruch Spinoza, the home of Rembrandt, and the Jewish ghetto under the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
Once crowded with open-air stalls, smoking factories and tenement buildings, the Old... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Once crowded with open-air stalls, smoking factories and tenement buildings, the Old... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Red Light District Walking Tour
Amsterdam's Rosse Buurt (Red Light District) has been the subject of much fascination for centuries. The medieval part of it, also the largest, known as De Wallen (or De Walletjes), is particularly famous for its fantastic juxtaposition of age-old architecture, leaning canal houses, narrow alleys lined with old-school bars, quaint shops and late-night pursuits. Of course, the main draw here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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