Description of the attraction
Amsterdam, the capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is an ancient city with an interesting and rich history. And, of course, the history of the city is reflected primarily in the architecture.
The Coin Tower is a reminder that the city was once surrounded by fortress walls, and the gates were guarded by such powerful watchtowers. The Mint Tower is located in the lively Mint Square, where the Singel Canal joins the Amstel River. The tower - more precisely, two towers and a large guardhouse - were built at the end of the 15th century and were part of the main city gate. After the fire in 1618, only a part of the western tower and the guardhouse survived. The tower was added in 1620 in the Renaissance style: now it is crowned with an octagonal turret with a clock and an openwork spire. A carillon of 38 bells rings every quarter of an hour, and on Saturdays you can hear the tower ringer playing on the bells.
The old tower got its name only in the 17th century. French troops occupied part of the territory of the Netherlands, and the mint, urgently transferred to Amsterdam from Dordrecht and Enhuisen, was temporarily housed in the tower and the adjacent guardhouse. The modern guardhouse was built on the site of the old one in the 19th century.
In recent years, the foundation of the tower has been additionally strengthened, because a new metro line was laid nearby.
Now the Coin Tower is a visiting card and one of the recognizable symbols of Amsterdam, a popular tourist attraction. Near it there is a large flower market and the Kalverstraat shopping street.
