Domtoren (Cathedral tower)

Domtoren (Cathedral tower) Review

Soaring lancet windows add to the impression of majestic height of the famous tower of "the cathedral that is missing," the 14th-century Domtoren. The sole remnant of an enormous house of worship that was destroyed by a storm late in the 17th century (the outline of its nave can still be seen in the paving squares of the Domplein), the tower is more than 367 feet high. Not only is it the highest tower in the country, but its more than 50 bells make it the largest musical instrument in Holland. The tower is so big that city buses drive through an arch in its base. You can climb the tower, but make sure you feel up to the 465 steps. The panoramic view is worth the pain, though, for it stretches 40 km (25 mi) to Amsterdam on a clear day. Buy tickets in the RonDom office across the street. Tours leave hourly on the hour, Apr.-Sept. From Oct.-Mar. they leave hourly on weekends, but only every two hours through the week.