De Papegaai

Gazing up at the parrot perched above the entrance, one might wonder about the secrets of De Papegaai. De Papegaai isn’t just another church on Amsterdam’s bustling Kalverstraat. It’s a story whispered through centuries, a testament to resilience and faith. Officially known as the Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, De Papegaai, meaning “The Parrot,” earned its nickname from a former resident, a bird trader. His legacy lives on in the symbol adorning this unique sanctuary. Built in 1672, De Papegaai initially served as a hidden Catholic church, or schuilkerk. The Protestant Reformation had outlawed public Catholic services, forcing congregations underground. Imagine the hushed prayers, the clandestine gatherings within these hidden walls. Originally nestled within a house, the church expanded into the garden of the wealthy Bout family in 1710. It’s currently the largest hidden church still in use in Amsterdam. This makes it a living piece of history, a tangible link to a time of religious persecution. In 1853, with the reinstatement of public Catholic services, De Papegaai emerged from the shadows. A new, larger neo-Gothic church was built in 1848, designed by architect Gerrit Moele. However, De Papegaai wasn’t fully revealed until 1899. The original house was demolished, replaced by the entrance gate we see today at Kalverstraat 58. The church’s growth continued with expansions in 1909 and 1931. The art deco entrance and stairway, added in 1932, offer a stylish touch to this historic facade. A statue of St. Joseph, the church’s dedicatee, stands on the right, while the iconic parrot remains perched on the left. Inside, two stained glass windows, salvaged from the demolished St. Catherine Church, add a splash of color. A medieval turret from the Nieuwezijds Kapel, a former chapel demolished in 1908, sits atop the rectory. These salvaged pieces weave a rich tapestry of Amsterdam’s past into De Papegaai’s fabric. So, next time you find yourself on Kalverstraat, look up at the parrot. Remember the story of De Papegaai, a symbol of faith hidden in plain sight, a vibrant testament to Amsterdam’s enduring spirit.