Munttoren

Description

The Munttoren, or "Mint Tower," officially named Regulierstoren, was originally part of the Regulierspoort, one of Amsterdam's three main medieval city gates. Located at the current Muntplein—a busy intersection connecting Kalverstraat and Reguliersbreestraat near the Singel's flower market—the tower's name derives from the 17th century when coins were minted in the adjacent guardhouse during the Rampjaar of 1672. After a fire in 1618 destroyed much of the gate, only the western tower was rebuilt in 1619-1620, featuring an octagonal upper structure and an open lantern designed by Hendrick de Keyser. The Munttoren stands 35 meters tall and houses a carillon installed by the Hemony brothers in 1668. The adjacent guardhouse was replaced between 1885 and 1887 with a Neo-Renaissance building designed by architect Willem Springer. In 1938-1939, a passageway was added at ground level. Today, the Munttoren remains a notable historical landmark in Amsterdam.