Schreierstoren

Description

The "Schreierstoren", located at Prins Hendrikkade 94 in Amsterdam, is a defense tower built around 1487 as part of the city's medieval fortifications. Originally named "Schrayershoucktoren" due to the sharp angle ("schray") it formed in the city wall, it is the only remaining defense tower in Amsterdam. A common myth suggests that the tower's current name, "Schreierstoren", derives from women weeping ("schreien") as they bid farewell to sailors departing on voyages; however, this is likely apocryphal. Notably, on April 4, 1609, Henry Hudson departed from this location on an expedition that led to the discovery of the area now known as New York. Today, the Schreierstoren serves as a café and houses a nautical bookstore.