Muntplein

The Munttoren stands as a stone sentinel where the Amstel River meets the Singel canal. This octagonal tower, topped with a delicate spire and a clock with four faces, once served as part of the medieval city gate. In sixteen seventy-two, the French army approached Amsterdam, forcing the city to mint its own coins here inside the gatehouse, which gave the structure its name. The original gate burned down in a fire, leaving only this tower, now tilted slightly by time.