Picture this. You stand before Bovenkerk a village nestled in Amstelveen. Its history whispers from the very stones beneath your feet. Bovenkerk wasn’t always part of Amstelveen. Until 1964 it belonged to Nieuwer-Amstel. This quiet village boasts a unique past. It sits on a dike between former peat excavations. This is more than just a pretty location.
Bovenkerk’s identity is deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage. Unlike its Protestant neighbor Amstelveen Bovenkerk has always been predominantly Catholic. This is reflected in its magnificent St Urbanus Church. Built between 1875 and 1888 by the renowned architect Pierre Cuijpers the church is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Its striking tower was a landmark for years a symbol of the village’s strong faith. Sadly in 2018 a devastating fire largely destroyed the church. The tower thankfully survived. The parish and local volunteers immediately started rebuilding a testament to the community’s spirit.
The Noorddammerlaan Bovenkerk’s main street still shows its original layout. This road was once a crucial link between Amsterdam and Leiden. A hand pointing towards Leiden a road sign once stood here. This is where Handweg gets its name a little bit of local trivia for you.
Bovenkerk also holds a surprising place in motorsports history. The Boro Formula One Team was based here in 1976 and 1977. Imagine the roar of engines echoing through this now tranquil village. The past of Bovenkerk intertwines the everyday with the extraordinary. It’s a village where history and faith are woven into the very fabric of its existence. It’s a place that quietly retains its own unique charm. It’s a place you won’t soon forget.