This tower was used as the second prison of the city. The tower was probably not demolished after the construction of the second wall around the city, because the prison was located in the tower.
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Dieventoren

4.5
·13 reviews·Amersfoort, Netherlands

A historic former prison in Amersfoort, home to the Netherlands' oldest working clock, offering a glimpse into medieval times.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Open Monument Day

Full access to explore

CrowdHigh
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This tower was used as the second prison of the city. The tower was probably not demolished after the construction of the second wall around the city, because the prison was located in the tower.

Dieventoren

Best Time

Open Monument Day

Full access to explore

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic former prison in Amersfoort, home to the Netherlands' oldest working clock, offering a glimpse into medieval times.

4.5
(13 reviews)

"A very atmospheric Tower of Thieves, a beautiful piece of history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Open Monument Day

Dieventoren is often only accessible during Open Monument Day. Plan your visit around this event!

🕰️ Admire the Oldest Clock

Don't miss the 1592 clockwork, the oldest in the Netherlands, a true historical marvel.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Oldest Clock in the Netherlands

The Oldest Clock in the Netherlands

Dieventoren

Marvel at the 1592 clockwork, the Netherlands' oldest functioning timepiece, a testament to historical engineering.

Historic Prison Architecture

Historic Prison Architecture

Dieventoren

Explore the atmospheric interior of a former prison, imagining its past as the 'Tower of Thieves'.

Amersfoort's Medieval Charm

Amersfoort's Medieval Charm

Amersfoort Old Town

Wander through the historic city center, admiring medieval buildings and discovering hidden gems.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Dieventoren

Dieventoren is best experienced during Amersfoort's Open Monument Day for full access, as it's often occupied by a private club. Check local listings for this specific event to avoid disappointment and ensure you can explore this historic tower.

Understanding Dieventoren's History

Originally a prison, Dieventoren dates back to the early 14th century. Its name, 'Tower of Thieves,' hints at its past. The tower houses the oldest working clock in the Netherlands, dating back to 1592, which requires weekly adjustments.

Best Times

When
Open Monument Day
Why
Full access to explore
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Charming vibes 💖🧡 #girlsnight #dollediva #amersfoort #amersfoortfood #foodguide #girlsnightout #placetovisit #bestrestaurants #foodspotnetherlands @Dolle Diva
@its.ruveyda
58.9K likes • 952.8K views

🎯 Check Open Monument Day

Dieventoren is often only accessible during Open Monument Day. Plan your visit around this event! Instagram

🕰️ Admire the Oldest Clock

Don't miss the 1592 clockwork, the oldest in the Netherlands, a true historical marvel. Instagram

📍Dolle diva #amersfoort #fyp #amersfoortfood #voorjou #dollediva #dolledivaamersfoort #aestheticvibes #netherlands
@alessandracortess
15.6K likes • 391.7K views
Het gaat echt gebeuren! De Dieventoren is open tijdens @openmonumentendagamersfoort en dit staat al jaren op mijn lijstje! Benieuwd naar dat schattige clubje van Gilde der Edele Flumieren… het klinkt een beetje kinderachtig… vooral omdat cultuur toch echt iets is waar vrouwen bij horen.
alyssagammoudy
12 likes • 535 views

🚶‍♂️ Explore Amersfoort's Old Town

The tower is in a less touristy part of the charming old town, full of medieval buildings. Reddit

📸 Capture the Atmosphere

The tower's historic ambiance and unique architecture make for great photos. Instagram

De Dieventoren in ons mooie Amersfoort! Vroeger een gevangenis vandaar deze naam. De archeologen denken dat deze ergens rond de start van de 14e eeuw is gebouwd. Een leuk feitje is dat de klok in de toren elke week even stilgezet moet worden om de juiste tijd aan te geven. Het is het oudste uurwerk uit Nederland(1592) en is in 1860 overgezet vanuit het voormalige St. Agnietenklooster. Door tempera...
o33drone
32 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Open Monument Day

Dieventoren is often only accessible during Open Monument Day. Plan your visit around this event! Instagram

🕰️ Admire the Oldest Clock

Don't miss the 1592 clockwork, the oldest in the Netherlands, a true historical marvel. Instagram

🚶‍♂️ Explore Amersfoort's Old Town

The tower is in a less touristy part of the charming old town, full of medieval buildings. Reddit

📸 Capture the Atmosphere

The tower's historic ambiance and unique architecture make for great photos. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dieventoren is a fascinating historical site in Amersfoort, often praised for its atmospheric former prison setting and the presence of the Netherlands' oldest clock. While access can be limited due to its private club occupancy, visitors highlight its significance during Open Monument Day. The surrounding old town is also a major draw for its medieval charm and well-preserved buildings.

"Take a stroll through the old town center and you'll see several beautiful buildings. It's a green environment with something to discover or admire around almost every corner."

Bart

"A historic part of Amersfoort, it's located on the less touristy side of the city and, in my opinion, is underrated.
There are many buildings from the Middle Ages and early modern period that are well worth seeing.
Take a stroll through."

Henry Korteschiel

"A lovely historical place to explore from the inside.
Open Monument Day"

Rina Kerkhof

What People Like

Historic prison atmosphere
Oldest clock in NL
Amersfoort's medieval charm

What People Dislike

Limited public access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dieventoren is located in the historic center of Amersfoort. You can easily reach it by walking from Amersfoort Central Station, which is about a 15-20 minute walk. The city itself is easily accessible by train from major Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht. TikTok

Yes, Amersfoort is well-connected by train. Once you arrive at Amersfoort Central Station, it's a pleasant walk through the city to reach Dieventoren. Local buses also serve the city center if you prefer not to walk. TikTok

Driving in the historic center of Amersfoort can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. It's recommended to park in a city center parking garage and walk to the tower. Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore Amersfoort's old town and discover its medieval charm. Many attractions, including Dieventoren, are within easy walking distance of each other. Reddit

Absolutely! Amersfoort is often praised as one of the best cities in Europe for a day trip, offering beauty, unique experiences, and it's just 30 minutes from Amsterdam. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Dieventoren is often occupied by a private club, meaning general public access is limited. The best time to visit is during Amersfoort's Open Monument Day, when it's typically open for tours. Check local event listings for dates. Instagram

As it's often privately occupied, there are no fixed public opening hours. Access is usually granted on special occasions like Open Monument Day. Instagram

Entry is typically free when accessible during events like Open Monument Day. However, specific event details might vary. Instagram

Tours are usually part of the Open Monument Day events. It's advisable to check the official Amersfoort Open Monument Day program for any specific booking requirements or guided tour information. Instagram

Not entirely, but public access is restricted. It's a historic monument, and while it has a private club, it participates in public heritage events. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you can explore the historic prison cells and admire the tower's architecture. The highlight is the 1592 clockwork, the oldest in the Netherlands. Instagram

The name 'Dieventoren' translates to 'Tower of Thieves,' indicating its historical use as a prison. Instagram

While children might find the history of a former prison interesting, the experience is more suited for those who appreciate history and architecture. Reddit

This is a private club that occupies Dieventoren. Their name suggests a historical or ceremonial guild. Instagram

Yes, Amersfoort boasts other historical structures like the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren (Our Lady's Tower), which is a prominent landmark. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the tower's exterior, especially its unique architecture. Inside, focus on the historic prison cells and the intricate clockwork mechanism. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed inside during public access events, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit. Instagram

The golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful light for exterior shots of the tower and the surrounding historic streets. TikTok

Try capturing the tower from different street levels to appreciate its height and historical context within the city. Instagram

The entire old town of Amersfoort is incredibly photogenic, with canals, historic buildings, and charming alleyways. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Dieventoren itself might be more of an architectural and historical interest for adults, Amersfoort offers family-friendly activities. Consider visiting the nearby kinderboerderij (petting zoo) De Zeven Torentjes in Bruges, which features a historic pigeon tower, offering a more playful historical connection. Instagram The city center of Amersfoort is also great for a stroll, with plenty of open spaces and interesting sights to keep younger explorers engaged. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs

Dieventoren is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by medieval history and architecture. Its former life as a prison and its status as home to the Netherlands' oldest clock make it a compelling site. Instagram Beyond the tower, Amersfoort's old town is a living museum, with numerous buildings from the Middle Ages and early modern periods waiting to be explored. Reddit Don't miss the chance to visit during Open Monument Day for a deeper dive into these historical treasures. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Amersfoort, and Dieventoren specifically, offers excellent photographic opportunities. The tower's unique architecture and its historical context within the charming old town provide a rich subject matter. Instagram Capture the atmospheric prison cells inside and the intricate details of the 1592 clockwork. Instagram The surrounding medieval streets and canals of Amersfoort are also incredibly photogenic, especially during the golden hours. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Dieventoren

Dieventoren, translating to 'Tower of Thieves,' is a historical monument in Amersfoort with a past rooted in its function as a prison. Archeologists estimate its construction dates back to the early 14th century, making it a significant piece of medieval architecture. Its name directly reflects its former use, evoking a sense of its historical role in the city's justice system. Instagram

The tower is also home to a remarkable piece of horological history: the oldest working clock in the Netherlands. This intricate mechanism, dating back to 1592, is a testament to the craftsmanship of its era. A fascinating detail is that the clock requires a weekly adjustment to maintain its accuracy, a ritual that has continued for centuries. Instagram

While the tower is now occupied by a private club, the 'Gilde der Edele Flumieren,' it opens its doors to the public during special events like Amersfoort's Open Monument Day. This provides a rare opportunity for visitors to step inside and experience the atmospheric interior, imagining its storied past. InstagramReddit

Exploring Amersfoort: A Day Trip Gem

Amersfoort is frequently lauded as one of the best cities in Europe for a day trip, offering a delightful blend of history, beauty, and unique experiences. Just a short 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam, it provides a refreshing escape from the bustling capital. The city's historic center is a treasure trove of well-preserved medieval buildings, charming canals, and picturesque streets, making it a joy to explore on foot. TikTok+1

Beyond Dieventoren, Amersfoort boasts other notable landmarks such as the impressive Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren (Our Lady's Tower), a prominent spire that dominates the skyline. The city's less touristy side, where Dieventoren is located, offers a more authentic glimpse into local life and history. Visitors often remark on the green environment and the abundance of discoveries around every corner. Reddit

For those seeking a picturesque setting, Amersfoort delivers. The city's aesthetic appeal, combined with its rich history and manageable size, makes it an ideal destination for a relaxed yet engaging day out. Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or simply enjoying a beautiful Dutch city, Amersfoort has something to offer. TikTok+1

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