Sint Nicolaaskerk

Gazing across the water, the Sint Nicolaaskerk stands as a beacon. It’s a striking silhouette against the Amsterdam skyline. Did you know it’s officially the Co-Cathedral Basilica of St. Nicholas? It’s quite a mouthful. But locally, it’s simply the Sint Nicolaaskerk. This grand dame of Amsterdam’s religious scene has quite the story to tell. Built between 1884 and 1887, the Sint Nicolaaskerk replaced two previous churches dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The first was the Oude Kerk. It switched denominations during the Reformation. The second was a hidden church. It’s now known as ‘Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder’, or ‘Our Lord in the Attic’. This Sint Nicolaaskerk is located right here, between the Central Station and the Oudezijds Kolk. Architect Adrianus Bleijs blended neo-renaissance and baroque styles. The result is a striking blend of architectural features. Two slightly asymmetrical towers frame a large rose window. Atop the church sits a majestic dome, reaching 58 meters high. Inside, the grandeur continues. Artist Jan Dunselman spent almost 40 years decorating the interior. His intricate wall paintings tell the life story of Saint Nicholas. Pierre Elysée van den Bossche sculpted the statues. The church holds a unique relic of Saint Nicholas. This relic arrived in 2021, a gift from the Sint-Adelbertabdij in Egmond-Binnen. It’s the first relic of the saint housed in Amsterdam. Over the years, the Sint Nicolaaskerk has seen its share of history. It played a surprising role in Paul Verhoeven’s film “De vierde man”. The interior served as a backdrop, even though the scene was set in Vlissingen. More recently, the church hosted the filming of the documentary series “God bestaat niet”. However, the church later distanced itself from the program. They even tried to block its broadcast, but without success. The Sint Nicolaaskerk isn’t just a visual marvel. It’s a vibrant hub of activity. It offers services in Dutch, English, and Spanish. The church also hosts Gregorian vespers by Schola Cantorum Amsterdam on Sunday afternoons and houses a restored 19th-century Sauer organ. The Sint Nicolaaskerk is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to faith, history, and architectural beauty. It stands as a symbol of Amsterdam’s rich and complex past.