Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam

Adjacent to the Royal Palace is Nieuwe Kerk, a church of the highest order. Akin to the Gothic churches of France, it was built circa 1400 due to the shortage of churches in the city and over the years, many changes have been made. The New Church remarkably managed to escape major damage in 1421 and 1452, the two great fires of Amsterdam, although two centuries later it was reduced to ashes when plumbers accidentally started a fire. The church however has been faithfully restored to its former glory, exhibiting the original early Renaissance style features throughout even though it remains tower-less.

Today, the Nieuwe Kerk is the most important church in the Netherlands. Since 1814, Dutch monarchs have been inaugurated here, including the now reigning Queen Beatrix, her grandmother Queen Wilhelmina and her mother Queen Juliana. On 2 February 2002, Queen's Beatrix son and heir apparent, the Prince of Orange Willem-Alexander and born in Argentina Princess Máxima married in this beautiful church. In between coronations and weddings, the New Church is the venue for the temporary exhibitions on art and history.

Inside, admire the elaborate altar, arched nave, great pipe organ, sepulchral monuments with the tomb of much admired Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter (1607 - 1676), who died during the sea battle with the French at Messina, as well as church's stained-glass windows. But if you want to take pictures, please ask first for permission. 

Opening times:

• Daily from 10am – 6pm
• Thursday 10am – 10pm
• Closed 25 December & 1 January

For more information on events: www.nieuwekerk.nl