On top of the Saint Laurence Tower

Whether you walk past it daily, or you see it for the very first time: the Great or Saint Laurence church remains a bit of a phenomenon in Rotterdam. The city might be most renowned for its modern high-rise architecture, but in the old center it is still this church that proudly towers over its surroundings.

Built between 1449 and 1525, it is Rotterdam’s one and only late gothic building from medieval times still standing tall. Over the centuries it had to endure stormy weather, the infamous blitz and urban renewals.

An UrbanGuide will take you all the way up, via the small stone spiral staircase. Along the way you’ll pass the notable carillon from 1660 and the bronze chimes, that vary in size from gigantic to really tiny. After more than 300 steps of climbing, you’ll get to enjoy a panoramic view over the city. Our UrbanGuide will use this spectacular place as the décor for the story of Rotterdam: the dam in the river Rotte, the construction of the harbors and the development of the skyline. From the earliest times until the most recent ideas about the city of the future; some 500 years of building history will be discussed.

Apart from an excursion to the top of the tower, it is also possible to visit the Saint Laurence church itself, either by yourself or with a professional UrbanGuide. The tourguide will tell you all about the details of the interior and shows you around the exhibition De Laurenskerk, a monument of stories.