Upon entering the H Nicolaaskerk a wave of serenity washes over you. This isn’t just any church. This is Amsterdam’s primary Roman Catholic church. The H Nicolaaskerk stands proudly in the Old Centre district. It’s a short walk from the main railway station. Its location is significant. It sits between Prins Hendrikkade and the Oudezijds Kolk canal.
The H Nicolaaskerk’s history is rich. Construction finished in 1887. Architect Adrianus Bleijs designed it. He cleverly combined Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance styles. The church’s northwest-southeast axis is unusual. It was necessary because of the pre-existing urban site. Before this building there was another St Nicholas church within the city walls.
The H Nicolaaskerk’s facade is striking. Two towers flank a rose window. This window features a bas-relief sculpture. Christ and the four Evangelists are depicted. The sculpture is from the Van den Bossche and Crevels workshop. Above sits a statue of Saint Nicholas himself. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of both the church and the city of Amsterdam.
Inside the church is a large octagonal tower. It has a baroque dome and lantern crowned by a cross. The floor plan is a classic three-aisled cross-basilica. There’s a nave two aisles and a single transept. Two chapels are located at the southeast ends of the side aisles. One is dedicated to Mary the other to Joseph.
Religious murals adorn the walls. The high altar displays the crown of Maximilian I. This is a symbol found throughout Amsterdam. The central dome is highly ornate. Four levels of stained glass encircle it. The pulpit is on the south end of the nave. An 1889 Sauer organ is located above the main entrance. It’s quite a sight. The organ hosts an international concert series during the summer months.
In 2012 the H Nicolaaskerk received a significant honor. It was elevated to a basilica minor. This happened on December 8th. The event was marked by a celebration of solemn Vespers. Ecclesiastical and secular authorities were present. Mgr A Dupuy the Apostolic Nuncio to the Netherlands officially declared the change. In 2021 a relic of St Nicholas arrived. A fragment of the saint’s rib arrived from Egmond Abbey. This bone fragment has been in the abbey’s custody since 1087.
The H Nicolaaskerk is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith history and art. It’s a vibrant place of worship. The H Nicolaaskerk is a true gem in Amsterdam.