Listen | The Play Tower
It was often difficult for ships to reach Monnickendam safely at night. It was pitch dark at sea and the harbour was sheltered behind the island of Marken. To show boats the way in the dark, there was a lighthouse.
Well, actually the Monnickendammers had renamed the play tower a lighthouse. After all, it was then the highest point in town. Burning pots of pitch on top of the tower pointed the way for Zuiderzee sailors. The Speeltoren did not have a peak back then; this was built later.
Apart from the fishermen, the Speeltoren was also important for other craftsmen in Monnickendam, namely carillonneurs. They played the tower's elaborate carillon. And even though Monnickendam is no longer the bustling port town it was then, the town carillonneur still plays this impressive musical instrument every Saturday morning. In doing so, he is accompanied by the moving statues of a goddess and horsemen at the top of the tower. A unique spectacle, especially as this is the oldest working carillon in the world.
Continue the route by turning right into Kerkstraat.
