Map Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
Adjacent to the Royal Palace is Nieuwe Kerk, a church of the highest order. Akin to the Gothic churches of France, it was built circa 1400 due to the shortage of churches in the city and over the years, many changes have been made. The New Church remarkably managed to escape major damage in 1421 and 1452, the two great fires of Amsterdam, although two centuries later it was reduced to ashes when plumbers accidentally started a fire. The church however has been faithfully restored to its former glory, exhibiting the original early Renaissance style features throughout even though it remains tower-less.
Since 1815, Dutch monarchs and other members of the Royal Family have been officially inaugurated here, including the late Queen Beatrix, Queen Wilhelmina and Queen Juliana. On 2 February 2002, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima married in the beautiful church. In between coronations and weddings, the New Church houses art galleries and temporary exhibitions.
Inside, admire the elaborate altar, arched nave, great pipe organ, sepulchral monuments and stained-glass windows. But if you want to take pictures, ask permission first. Entrance is free.
Opening times:
* Daily from 10.00 am – 6 pm
* Thursday 10.00 am – 10 pm
* Closed 25 December & 1 January
museum website
Nieuwe Kerk is a 15th-century church in Amsterdam. The church is used for royal coronations, most recently the crowning of Queen Beatrix in 1980, and royal weddings, most recently the wedding of crown prince Willem-Alexander to princess Máxima in 2002.
The Nieuwe Kerk is a burial site for Dutch naval heroes, including Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, Commodore Jan van Galen and Jan van Speyk. The poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel is also buried in the church.
The Nieuwe Kerk is located on Dam Square, next to the Royal Palace. The bishop of Utrecht gave permission to build the church in 1408 because the Oude Kerk had grown too small for the growing population of the city. The Nieuwe Kerk was consecrated to St. Mary and St. Catharine.
The church was damaged by the city fires of 1421 and 1452 and burned down almost entirely in 1645, after which it was rebuilt in gothic style. It underwent major renovation in 1892–1914, which added many neo-gothic details, and was again renovated in 1959–1980.
Today, the church is no longer used for services but is now a popular exhibition space. It is also used for organ recitals. Read all on Wikipedia
 Map |  | |
 | Where is |