The tower, named Schreierstoren was built around 1487, where the IJ  formed a small headland in the North of the city. At that time, the watercourse of the IJ was still closer to the city than today. At the point near the water, where the tower was erected, the Eastern wall used to end. Further fortifications should follow, after the city council voted for more expansions. 

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The name "Schreierstoren", doesn't derive from "weeping", as the word "schreien" in Dutch would suggest. It is the only preserved defense tower in Amsterdam.

 

The city wall in the North ran along the harbour and the actual Prins Hendrikkade, across what is now the station square. At the Schreierstoren it turned Southwest, where it continued along, what was then the Stedegracht (today's Geldersekade), to the Sint Antoniespoort, the actual Nieuwmarkt. Remains of the masonry can still be seen in the embankment wall along the Geldersekade in the form of large sandstone blocks.

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After the tower lost its function as a defence structure, it served as the harbour master's office for some time. After restoration in 1966, a café is located in the striking building, made of red bricks. Some sources indicate that a shop, selling books and maps is located on the top floor, but I can't confirm that.