A crowded intersection of six streets in the centre of Amsterdam called Muntplein. A crisscross section of traffic between the streets of Singel, Kalverstraat, Rokin, Amstel, Reguliersbreestraat and Vijzelstraat. When translated, Muntplein means “Mint Square”.
This square is a bridge!
Muntplein, also known as Brug #1 or Bridge #1, dates from 1917. It is the widest bridge in Amsterdam, where the Amstel River flows into the Singel Canal.
Muntplein is named after the Munttoren (translation: Mint Tower) in the picture. The tower is 35 meters high. There used to be a city gate on this site: the Regulierspoort, built in the period 1480 to 1487, part of the Medieval city wall. After a fire in 1618, the tower was then rebuilt in Amsterdam Renaissance style in 1620, with an eight-sided top half and elegant open spire designed by Hendrick de Keyser, featuring a clockwork with four clockfaces and a carillon of bells.
Coins were briefly minted here in the 17th century.
The original carillon in the Munttoren was made in 1668 by Pieter Hemony. The current carillon now consists of 38 bells. Only 13 of the original Hemony bells remained.
A bronze mechanical drum makes the bells play every 15 minutes and the bell strikes every half and full hour. There is even a weekly automatic carillon recital scheduled every Saturday at 2 pm. You have to hear them chimes!
The base of the tower is a souvenir shop called Heinen Delfts Blauw. Discover unique products such as Delft blue souvenirs as well as workshops on Delft Blue paintings. Very pretty!
Amsterdammers popularly referred to this square as “de Munt”.
You can find this bustling intersection at the end of Rokin, right next to the floating Bloemenmarkt or Flower Market.
