Montelbaanstoren
Tower Historic Amsterdam tower on the Oudeschans canal
A historic tower on Amsterdam’s Oudeschans canal, the Montelbaanstoren dates to the early 16th century; visitors photograph the brickwork, watch canal traffic, and stroll the adjacent waterfront in the old city.
Montelbaanstoren is a historic tower on the Oudeschans canal in Amsterdam’s city centre, originally built in 1516 as part of the city’s defensive works. An ornate decorative top was added in the early 17th century, giving the tower its familiar appearance.
The tower is a well-known canal-side landmark and frequent subject for photography and walking tours of Amsterdam’s historic centre. It sits directly on the water and is visible from surrounding quays and bridges.
Built for defence in the early 1500s and remodelled with a decorative spire in the early 1600s, the tower has shifted from military function to an iconic civic landmark over time.
The Montelbaanstoren stands on the Oudeschans canal in central Amsterdam, near the Maritime Museum and within the old city canal belt.
- Construction dates: Constructed as part of Amsterdam's 16th-century city defences, with the ornate upper section added in the early 1600s by architect Hendrick de Keyser.
What to See #
- Base and spire: The original 16th-century defensive base of the tower and the later early-17th-century decorative spire that was added to the structure.
How to Get to Montelbaanstoren #
From Amsterdam Centraal, it’s a 10-15 minute walk southeast along the canals to Oudeschans. Tram lines that stop near Nieuwmarkt or the eastern canal belt put the tower within easy walking distance of major city sights.
Tips for Visiting Montelbaanstoren #
- View the tower from both the Oudeschans canal side and the quieter inner ring for better photographic compositions.
- Visit early morning to avoid canal-traffic reflections and to catch the soft Amsterdam light on the brickwork.
- Read the 1606 inscription near the top-the 17th-century restoration is an easy detail most pass by.
Best Time to Visit Montelbaanstoren #
Montelbaanstoren is a year-round, quick stop on Amsterdam canal walks; spring and summer are best for canal-side cafés and longer strolls.
Weather & Climate near Montelbaanstoren #
Montelbaanstoren's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (874 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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