Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Amsterdam
Back of the Nieuwe Kerk, with shops nestled into the transept.
The 14th-century New Church is the national church of the Netherlands.
The Nieuwe Kerk by night, with swiftly passing tram.
Detail of carvings near the Nieuwe Kerk's entrance.
Interactive satellite map of the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. For a
larger view, see our Amsterdam Map or Google Earth download.
The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) is a 14th century Late Gothic church in Amsterdam. Located next to the royal palace, the now-Protestant church functions as the national church of the Netherlands, hosting inaugurations and special exhibitions.
Begun in the 14th century, the New Church's spire was never completed because the authorities – preoccupied with the building of the city palace next door – ran out of money.
Whereas the Oude Kerk had the blessing of the Bishop of Utrecht, the Nieuwe Kerk was supported by the local well-to-do merchant class, which resulted in an endless competition between the two.
At one point the Oude Kerk led the race with a whopping 38 pulpits against the Nieuwe Kerk's 36, but Nieuwe Kerk wins the quality-over-quantity prize for its still-existing pulpit sculpted by Albert Vinckenbrinck, which took him 19 years to complete.
Many of this originally Catholic church's priceless treasures were removed and its colorful frescoes painted over in 1578 when it passed into the hands of Protestants, but much of its original grandeur has since been restored.
The church boasts a stately arched nave, an elaborately carved altar, a great pipe organ by Jacob van Campen from 1645 that is in regular use for concerts, and several noteworthy stained-glass windows. Look for the carved, gilded ceiling above the choir, which survived a disastrous fire in 1645.
Other features of the Nieuwe Kerk include the unmarked grave of the poet Vondel, the "Dutch Shakespeare," and the extravagantly marked grave of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, who daringly sailed his invading fleet up the river Medway in England in the 17th century and became the Netherlands' ultimate naval hero.
The Nieuwe Kerk has been the National Church since 1815, when it began hosting the inauguration ceremony for monarchs. Since this does not occur that often, the church has broadened its appeal by serving as a venue for organ concerts and invariably excellent exhibitions, which attract a half-million visitors a year. These exhibitions have covered everything from Dutch photography to Buddhist treasures.
After exploring the Nieuwe Kerk, relax on the sidewalk terrace of the attached Nieuwe Kafé, which has a fine view of the Dam.
Quick Facts
| Location: | Dam (Royal Palace), Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Phone: | 020/628-6909 |
| URL: | http://www.nieuwekerk.nl/ |
| Tram: | 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24, or 25 to the Dam |
| Hours: | Daily 10am-6pm (Thurs to 10pm during exhibits). Closed Jan-Feb and for private events. |
| Cost: | Varies with exhibit; free when there's no exhibit |
Sources
- Fodor's Amsterdam
- Frommer's Amsterdam
- Personal visit (outside only, November 2006).
