Some of the most beautiful churches in the world are in Amsterdam.
Today I'm taking you on a tour of Amsterdam's most beautiful churches!
Here we go!
Church in Amsterdam: article summary
Visit De Krijtberg Catholic Church
The first stage of our tour of Amsterdam's churches is Catholic Church De Krijtberg. Backtrack a little from the Spui streetcar station towards the canal.
De Krijtberg is the opposite of heavy Romanesque architecture. It's light, colorful and resplendent!
The exterior of the church seems a little dark and austere, with its twin bell towers rising above the canal. The interior is painted gold, green and red.
Like many buildings in Amsterdam, there wasn't much space to build wide, so the church was built high up. Its high ceilings and stained glass windows give the impression of being stretched upwards!
De Krijtberg church is a must-see in Amsterdam. And it's free!
Begijnhof
Leaving De Krijtberg, head for the Amsterdam Begijnhof. If you're like me, you're probably wondering: what is a Begijnhof?
Amsterdam's Begijnhof is a beautiful enclosed courtyard far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was built as a home for a group of Catholic women, the Beguines, who lived as nuns, but were not nuns for various reasons.
Many of them were widows and therefore unable to take their vows as nuns.
A few steps from De Krijtberg church, the Begijnhof is entered through an arch. The church that stands in the middle of the Begijnhof is the Engelse Kerk, or English Church of Amsterdam.
It's not a Catholic church, although it dates back to the 15th century. During the period when Catholicism was not allowed to be practiced openly in the Netherlands, a Protestant congregation took over the Begijnhof church.
Church in Amsterdam: the Nieuwe Kerk
From the Begijnhof, the next church is in one of Amsterdam's liveliest neighborhoods, and takes about 15 minutes to walk to.
Visit Amsterdam Nieuwe Kerk is relatively new! Originally built in the 15th century, it was rebuilt after a fire 200 years later. In the 16th century, it became a Dutch Reformed church. Unfortunately, due to costly renovations in the 1980s, the Nieuwe church is now home to an art gallery and concert hall.
The Nieuwe Kerk is also known as the venue for major royal ceremonies in the Netherlands, including the inauguration and wedding of King Willem-Alexander.
Oude Kerke d'Amsterdam, or Amsterdam's old church
The next church is even more historic than the Nieuwe Kerk, and is no longer a working church. an art space.
L'Oude Kerk The Nieuwe Kerk is approximately 15 minutes' walk, maximum. Still in the canal ring, it's worth noting that the Oude Kerk is located directly on the famous Amsterdam's red light district. In fact, there are "showcases" on either side of the church.
Amsterdam's old church can be seen built between the 13th and 14th centuries! It's an absolutely massive structure. It has undergone numerous renovations over the years.
One of the reasons Amsterdam's Oude Kerk is a must-see is that it boasts an incredible wooden roof, the oldest in Europe, and stunning acoustics!
The Oude Kerk, like the Nieuwe Kerk, is home to an art gallery and a permanent installation on the history of Amsterdam.
Church in Amsterdam: St. Nicholas Basilica
St. Nicholas Basilica is one of Amsterdam's largest and only basilicas. Built 125 years ago, it is a true centerpiece near the Central station.
St. Nicholas Church is built in a cross style with three naves and two large towers at the front, rather like De Krijtberg. However, the central dome is much larger. There's a beautiful rose window and a fabulous 19th-century organ!
By the time you've completed this tour of Amsterdam's churches and cathedrals, you'll be right next to Amsterdam's main train station. It's also very close to the starting point for many of Amsterdam's canal tours.
If you have the I amsterdam cityIt comes with a free canal tour! Amsterdam's night tours of the canals are magnificent and would be the perfect way to end your day!
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
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