The Westerkerk (Western Church; westerkerk.nl; entry by donation) and its bell tower, the Westertoren (Western Tower), are beloved by Amsterdammers. Built in Dutch Renaissance style to designs by city architect Hendrick de Keyser, the Netherlands' first Protestant church was consecrated in 1631. After Rembrandt died bankrupt in 1669 at nearby Rozengracht, he was buried here in an unidentified pauper's grave.
The nave is the largest in the Netherlands and is covered by a wooden barrel vault. The huge main organ dates from 1686, with panels decorated with instruments and biblical scenes. The church's 50-bell carillon rings out across the neighborhood, and recitals typically take place from noon to 1pm on Tuesdays. Hear the organs during free lunchtime concerts from 1pm to 1.30pm on Wednesdays.