Whose wedding do you think took place here? The Nieuwe Kerk stands proudly on Dam Square. It is a 15th-century church with a rich history.
Originally a Catholic church, the Nieuwe Kerk became a Dutch Reformed church in 1578. Today, it belongs to the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. But it no longer hosts regular church services. Instead, it serves as a venue for cultural exhibitions and organ recitals. A café is attached.
Construction of the Nieuwe Kerk began around 1380. The bishop of Utrecht granted permission to build a second parish church. This was because the Oude Kerk was too small for the growing population. The Nieuwe Kerk was consecrated in 1409 and dedicated to St. Mary and St. Catherine.
The Nieuwe Kerk has faced many challenges. City fires damaged it in 1421 and 1452. In 1645, a major fire destroyed the church almost entirely. It was rebuilt in Gothic style. Renovations in 1892–1914 added neo-Gothic details. Another renovation took place in 1959–80.
The Nationale Stichting De Nieuwe Kerk took ownership in 1979. This cultural foundation ensures the church remains open.
Several notable figures are interred here. Admiral Michiel de Ruyter rests here. Commodore Jan van Galen and Lieutenant Commander Jan van Speyk are also buried in the Nieuwe Kerk. Even the Roman Catholic poet Joost van den Vondel is buried here.
The Nieuwe Kerk plays a vital role in royal events. Dutch royal investiture ceremonies take place here. King Willem-Alexander’s investiture was in 2013. Royal weddings are also held here. Willem-Alexander married Máxima here in 2002. Queens Wilhelmina, Juliana, and Beatrix were also invested here.
Willem Eggert played a key role in the Nieuwe Kerk’s history. He donated land next to his orchard. He also financed and supervised the construction. Eggert is buried in the Eggert chapel inside the church. The Eggertstraat nearby is named after him.
The Nieuwe Kerk has undergone many restorations. Neo-Gothic elements were added between 1892 and 1912. A restoration between 1959 and 1980 adapted the church to modern standards. Two restored rooms opened to the public in 2020.
A 115-meter-high church tower was planned. Construction stopped after the Protestant Alteration in 1578. Funds dried up because of the First Anglo-Dutch War. The town prioritized the new City Hall. Now, there is only a small tower with three bells.
Look closely at the exterior. Find the marble sun dial. The stained-glass windows above the entrance were bricked up when the organ was installed.
Inside, admire the main organ from 1645. It is the largest historical pipe organ in the Netherlands. See the tomb of Michiel de Ruyter.
The Nieuwe Kerk once had an estimated 10000 graves inside. Most were removed during restorations. The church had two walled cemeteries. One was for those who could not afford burial inside. The other was for criminals and heretics.
Today, the Nieuwe Kerk hosts various cultural exhibitions. It also holds organ recitals. Remembrance Day starts here before continuing to the National Monument. The Nieuwe Kerk remains a significant landmark in Amsterdam. Its history and cultural importance make it a must-see destination.