Schreierstoren

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  • Address
    Geldersekade, Prins Hendrikkade 94-95, Centrum
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Lonely Planet review

This prominent brick tower dating from around 1480 - the oldest of its kind still standing - was once part of the city's defences. Its name comes from an old Dutch word for 'sharp', for this sharp corner that jutted out into the IJ. Tourist literature prefers to call it the 'wailing tower' (from schreien, to weep or wail) and claims that sailors' wives stood here and cried their lungs out when ships set off for distant lands.

There's even a fake plaque dedicated to the women. The tower now houses an attractive café (428 82 91).