Churches, Amsterdam

Favorite thing: This interesting church - at 756 Prinsengracht - was originally built as a Roman Catholic chapel in the late 17th century. It's baroque style is exuberant but restrained.

The place has been recently renovated - most recently in 2002 - to serve as a catering and conference and exhibit center.

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Favorite thing: Architecture buffs visiting Amsterdam will become familiar with P J H Cuypers (1827-1921), who was responsible for designing two of the city's landmarks: the Centraal Station and the Rijksmuseum. He was a follower - and a pioneer - of the gothic revival style, which was found all over Europe (and North America) in the 19th century. It's interesting to see that Cuypers "cut his architectural teeth" (so to speak) on dozens of churches and other ecclesiastical buildings through Holland. One of his early masterpieces is this "Posthoorn Church," finished in the 1860s and still dominating its surrounding neighborhood.

Our hero was born with the given names "Petrus Josephus Hubertus" - and his father was a church painter, so perhaps his career and his fame were predestined!

The address is 47 Haarlemmer Houttuinen, west of the Centraal Station. The Posthoorn Church is no longer used for religous services, but it is still a center of its community and is used for exhibits and small conferences.

Favorite thing: The Moses and Aaron Church (R.C.) is no longer used for worship, but it is still a dignified and stately presence in the Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam. From the 17th century onward, there was a "hidden" (or semi-official) Roman Catholic church located on the premises here. Then, it the 18th century when Catholics obtained complete freedom of worship in Amsterdam, a proper church was constructed here in the center of what had the Jewish neighborhood of east Amsterdam.

The current structure dates from the neo-classical revival of the early 19th century and is considered to be a classic in the genre. It's the creation of well-known Flemish architect T.F. Suys (1783-1861).

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Favorite thing: To the south of the Anne Frank House is the beautiful Westerkerk. The imposing 85m tower dominates the area and can be seen everywhere! On the very top of the tower sits the crown of Emporer Maximillian - a symbol frequently seen in Amsterdam.

This was once only the city's second place of Protestant worship. Designed in 1631 by Hendrick de Keyser it's ornate exterior belies the harsh, plain Calvanistic interior. It is said to be the last resting place of Rembrandt (who had a pauper's burial) although the exact whereabouts of his tomb is unknown.

It's opening times are:

Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Sat 10am-1pm

Entrance is free.

Favorite thing: At the south side of the inner court you can find this English church, build around 1419.
In the old days the church was rent at English and Scottish Presbyterian.
Despite many rebuilding the church kept it's original tower.

Fondest memory: After we met the VT members at the Smits Koffiehuis, we went to a canal boat to make a tour at the many canals Amsterdam has.
The church you see here at the picture dates from the 14th century, it is the oldest building of the town.

Favorite thing: There are not as many churches and cathedrals in Amsterdam as one might expect. Although the ones that do stand are very beautiful and of interesting architectural style. They include the Nieuwe Kerk, Noorderkerk, Oosterkerk, Ouderkerk, Sint Nicolaaskerk and Westerkerk. The other presenting probelm with the churches is their limited access. For example, the Noorderkerk was locked up tight when we ambled by and I understand that it is really only accessible when weekly concerts are held. The tower of the Westerkerk is available for touring (for a price) but the interior of the church is closed except for services. And the Nieuwe Kerk is not even a church anymore--it has been transformed into an art gallery. As such, you can view the impressive architechture and altar pieces only if you are willing to fork over the price of admission to the gallery (which is something like 10 euros).

Favorite thing: Westerkerkstoren

Fondest memory:
This 85m-high tower is the highest in the city. It's one of four great churches in the city.

Favorite thing: Go up the WesteKerke or however its spellt. It is the tallest building in the city and from here you can see everything - it is a great sight. Tours are all before four, so get there before then.