Mozes en Aäronkerk
A church in the eastern part of Amsterdam in the Waterlooplein area. It is designated as cultural heritage monument of Netherlands.
Basic information
Name translation: The church of Moses and Aaron
Official name: Roman Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua
Built: 19th century - 1837 - 1841
Religion: Roman catholic
Architect: Tilman-François Suys
Design style: Neoclassicism
Sermons: Weekly Sunday mass and weekday prayer services
The secret church
Originally a secret church that was operated by Franciscan priests at a house in the eastern part of old town. Because at that time Roman catholic services were prohibited. The Franciscans started conducting secret masses in the Jewish quarter on the outskirts of Amsterdam.
How the name Aaron & Moses begun
The name comes from the house names where the church was secretly operating. The houses were two joined buildings. One named Moses and the other named Aaron.
Evolution of the church buildings
The Franciscans started operating the church in 1641 form a house named Moses. The house named Aaron which stood next to house named Moses, was joined to the church in 1681. In 1682 two buildings behind these two houses were also bought. And in 1690 it was formed into a single block of real estate. These buildings were decorated and renovated but the church activities were still hidden. Then, at the beginning of the 19th century, the ban on Roman catholicism was lifted. And on the site of the old houses was built a new, bigger and more stylish church building. But this church was still known more by the names of the houses where it started than by its official name.
Artworks
Most of the original sculptures from this church were lost during the second world war. But there is a beautiful baroque altar, dating from about 1700. And there are new sculptures, tablets and reliefs. The organ is from the late 19th century. The organ is from the original church that was hidden in the two houses.
Present services and visiting options
Even though the Church of Aaron and Moses went through complicated history, today you can visit its services. The church liturgies are on Sunday at 11 hours. And the church building is open to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays from 12 to 16 hours.
Address
Waterlooplein 207
1011 PG Amsterdam