Churches and temples of Amsterdam
Historical churches and places of worship of different religions in the Old City of Amsterdam, certify to the city multicultural traditions. Several among them are worth a visit, as they are not only interesting historical buildings, but also fascinating monuments of art and architecture.
To enjoy sightseeing in a company of a knowledgeable guide consider joining a
guided tour of Amsterdam.
Oude Kerk
The oldest of Amsterdam churches, with its massive volume dominating old houses of the Red Light District. While sober and simple inside, the Oude Kerk, the first parish church of Amsterdam, says a lot about the history of the city. Concerts of its famous organs draw music lovers from all over the world.
Standing in the church's main entry, you will be amazed to see a coffee shop just left to it, windows with sex workers in front of it and the Princess Juliana Nursery School right of it. There is quite a contrast in this area of the city.
Location: Oudekerksplein.
Nieuwe Kerk
Originally built in the 14th century, this old church was at the time a second parish church of Amsterdam, along with Oude Kerk.
Now the Nieuwe Kerk is the most important church of the Netherlands, because since 1814, all Dutch monarchs have been crowned here. Many important exhibitions and musical concerts also take place in the Nieuwe Kerk.
Location: Dam square
Noorderkerk Amsterdam
Built between 1620 - 1623, Noorderkerk – Northern Church - serves until today as the Calvinist place of worship. It was beautifully restored in the years 1989 - 2005.
Noorderkerk is also the venue for traditional concerts - Noorderkerkconcerten - each Saturday afternoon.
It is surrounded by the traditional markets: Noordermarkt - biological food market and - Westerstraat market.
Location: Noordermarkt 44 - 48.Zuiderkerk Amsterdam
Is historically the first Protestant church in the city. Inaugurated in 1610 and desecrated in 1929. Zuiderkerk (the Southern Church) serves now as a municipality information centre with regularly changing exhibitions as well as a permanent exhibition which features a scale model of Amsterdam.
During the tourist season, its tower may be climbed offering the nice view of canals and old houses of the area.
Location: Zuidekerkhof 72.
Westerkerk
Biggest church in the Netherlands with a high bell tower located just at the waters of Prinsengracht canal, it became one of Amsterdam symbols. Recently renewed, the Westerkerk - Western Church - reminds the visitor of glory days of Amsterdam during the Golden Age.
During the tourist season, you may also climb the Westerkerk Tower and enjoy a truly unique view of Amsterdam from its balcony.
You can also listen th the Westerkerk carillon concert each Tuesday at 12:00.
Location: Prinsengracht 281.Mozes and Aäron church
This neoclassic basilica with small figures of its patrons on its back wall, was built by Flemish architect Tilman-François Suys the Elder for the Catholics, on the site of the previously secret Catholic Church. Inaugurated in 1841, with the figure of Christ on the top of its tympanum, Franciscan Order shield at the front, and the Latin text dedicating the church to its patrons and to Christ, the Mozes and Aaron Church – Dutch: Mozes en Aäronkerk, became one of the characteristic buildings of the city. Desecrated in 1969, it serves today as an exhibition space and as such is often the venue for the World Peace initiatives.
Location: Waterlooplein 207
Our Lord in the Attic
Used to be a hidden catholic church located on the edge of the Red Light District. In the attic of a canal house.
Now the Museum Our Lord in the Attic rich in striking interiors and many artefacts. It documents times when Catholics were discriminated in Amsterdam.
The discrimination ended during Napoleons reign and the Batavian Republic. Several catholic churches were built in Amsterdam in the 19th century.
Location: Oudezijds Voorburwal 40.
Big Synagogue and Jewish Historical Museum
The Big Synagogue of Amsterdam opened in 1671. It was devastated during the WWII together with three adjoining synagogues built for the Ashkenazi Jews in the 17th and 18th centuries.
They are today restored and adapted to serve as the Jewish Historical Museum.
The museum offers also interesting shows of Jewish artists and exhibits on history of Jews.
Location: Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1 (close to Waterlooplein)
Portuguese Synagogue
Inspired by the Temple of Salomon in Jerusalem the Portuguese Synagogue was designed by Elias Bouman and built for the Sephardic Jews in the years 1670 - 1675. Also called Esnoga or Snoge, from Judeo-Spanish: אסנוגה.
Miraculously saved during the German occupation during WWII, the Portuguese Synagogue is today one of the most beautiful shrines in Amsterdam and a unique monument of Jewish culture.
Location: Mr.Visserplein 3
Short history of religious worship in Amsterdam
Before the city took the side of the Reformed Protestantism during the religious wars in Europe in 1578, Amsterdam has been an important place for the Catholics, even called by them the Holy City – Heilige Stadt. It is here, that famous in the Middle Ages, Eucharistic miracle, certifying to the presence of Christ took place, in 1345. Since 1881, a silent evening procession, called in Dutch Stille Omgang, celebrated each year on March 15 in Amsterdam, marks the anniversary of this event.
For centuries after the Reformation, the Catholics were not allowed to openly practice their religion. All big churches in Amsterdam - Oude Kerk, Westerkerk and Nieuwekerk were Protestant. While tolerated, Catholic churches were forced to hide, often inside other buildings as in the attic of the canal house in now serving as a museum Our Lord in the Attic Church.
Jewish community always played an important part in life of Amsterdam. Traditionally Jews were supporters of The House of Orange. During the WWII period of 1940 - 1945 and the tragedy of the Holocaust, several Jewish Ashkenazi synagogues were devastated by the Nazis. Some of them have been restored and house today the Jewish History Museum. Amsterdam has also a beautiful old synagogue built for the Portuguese Sephardic population and inaugurated in 1675. The monument has been spared by the Nazis.