Amsterdam, the capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands - an ancient city with an interesting and rich history. And, of course, the history of the city is reflected primarily in the architecture.

Munttoren - a reminder of what was once the town was surrounded by walls and guarded gates that's so powerful watchtowers. Munttoren located on a busy Mynttorget where Singel Canal connects the Amstel River. Tower - or rather, two towers and a large guardhouse - were built in the late XV century and were part of the main gate of the city. After a fire in 1618 survived only a part of the west tower and guardhouse. The tower was overbuilt in 1620 in the style of the Renaissance: it is now crowned with an octagonal tower with a clock and an openwork spire. Carillon of 38 bells chime every quarter of an hour, and on Saturdays you can hear the bells of the tower play a bell ringer.

The name of the old tower was only in the XVII century. French troops occupied part of the territory of the Netherlands, and mint, translated immediately to Amsterdam from Dordrecht and Enhoyzena temporarily housed in the tower and the adjoining guardroom. Modern guardhouse built on the site of the old in the XIX century.

In recent years, the foundation of the tower has been further strengthened, as It was built near the new Metro line.

Now munttoren - the card and one of the recognizable symbols of Amsterdam, a popular tourist attraction. Near it is a big flower market and the Kalverstraat shopping area.