The Netherlands is a northwestern country in Europe famous for beautiful canals, vast tulip fields, windmills and never-ending picturesque bicycle routes. During the many hundreds of centuries of this country’s existence, Many prominent and stunning churches have been built in many towns and cities in the Netherlands.
10 spectacular churches in the Netherlands
Many of these beautifully architectural churches are known to be the oldest standing structures in the world. Below are some of the best churches in the Netherlands.
1. Zuiderkerk
This Protestant church in the Netherlands was built by the Municipality of Amsterdam just outside the Nieuwmarkt. The Zuiderkerk, meaning southern church, was built in the year 1611. Unlike Pentecostal churches in the Netherlands, the interiors of this church have spacious spaces with minimal inclusions to cater to the modest sensibilities of Protestantism.
Place: Zuiderkerkhof 72, 1011 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Time: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
entrance fees: 650 rupees
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2. Old Church
It is one of the oldest Dutch Reformed churches in the Netherlands with an interesting history. The Oude Kerk Church was originally built in the year 1306 by the Bishop of Utrecht. During that time it was a famous Catholic church. Later during the Dutch Reformation, Protestants turned it into a Calvinist church by removing everything depicting God and Catholicism.
Place: Oudekerkplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Time: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
entrance fees: 850 rupees
3. Our Lord in the Attic
After the Dutch Reformation in the 17th century, almost every Catholic church was converted to Protestantism and Catholicism was completely outlawed. This led Catholics to begin practicing their faith in secret and resulted in some Catholic churches being built and hidden throughout Amsterdam. Ons Leeuw Heer op Solder is a Catholic church in the Netherlands hidden in De Wallen. Fortunately, it was not discovered during that time and after the 19th century it was converted into a wonderful museum.
Place: Oudezides Voorbergwal 38, 1012 GD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Time: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
entrance fees: 950 rupees
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4. Lawrence Church
Laurens Church Rotterdam is one of the historic churches of the Netherlands. It was originally in the form of the Gothic Laurenskerk and was built in the year 1525. It was extensively damaged during the 1940 bombing of the region and most parts of this church were largely destroyed. In the late fifties and early sixties, the church was rebuilt incorporating excellent architectural features and renamed Lawrence Church.
Place: Grootkerkplein 27, 3011 GC Rotterdam, Netherlands
Time: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm
entrance fees: INR 85
5. New Church
It is one of the famous churches of the Netherlands which was built in the 15th century on the orders of the Bishop of Utrecht and was then named Nieuwe Kerk which means “New Church”. It is situated in Dam Square. Unfortunately this church was destroyed by fire in the 16th century. It was rebuilt and beautifully displays the classic characteristics of Southern Gothic architecture.
Place: De Dam, 1012 NL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Time: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
entrance fees: 1400 rupees
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6. English Reformed Church
This small but beautiful church was confiscated during the 15th century when Calvinism was adopted by the Dutch government. It is now known as the English Reformed Church and is dedicated to Protestant Christians who use the place for worship. Till date all the weekly rituals are being conducted smoothly here without any interruption.
Place: Begijnhof 48, 1012 WV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Time: 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM
7.Moses and Aaron Church
It is one of the churches that were built secretly in the city of Amsterdam for secret Catholic worshippers. It was built at a time when the Dutch government banned all Catholic churches. Later, during the 19th century, the ban on Catholicism was lifted and the building was beautifully transformed and became known as the Church of Moses and Aaron.
Place: Waterlooplein 207, 1011 PG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Time: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
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8. Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
It is a parochial church located squarely in the Kalverstraat area of the city. It was originally built as a place of worship for the Catholic community. After Calvinism became dominant in the region, its aesthetics were softened to resemble Protestant churches that focused on simple architecture and interiors.
Place: Kalverstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Time: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm
9. Westerkerk
One of the city’s Calvinist churches, the Westerkerk Church is located on the western edge of the famous canal belt in Amsterdam which was built in the 17th century. This church was built at the same time as these waterways were built. It is famous for its Dutch Renaissance architecture and was originally built to offer Calvinist services. This church has about 51 huge bells which can be heard clearly throughout the De Jordaan area.
Place: Prinsengracht 279, 1016 GW Amsterdam, Netherlands
Time: 11:00 am to 03:00 pm
entrance fees: 600 rupees
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10. Norwegian Seamen’s Church
The Norwegian Seamen’s Church is perfectly hidden in the Westzidijk area of Rotterdam. It has a very unusual design and architecture which makes it unique in its own way. This church is made entirely of wooden fixtures and is different from the rest of the churches in the area. It was built in the year 1914 taking inspiration from Norwegian style. Since 1999 it has been a valuable monumental asset for the country and is recognized as the largest wooden structure in Rotterdam.
Place: Westzidijk 300, 3016 AP Rotterdam, Netherlands
Time: 12:00 am to 05:00 pm
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FAQ about churches in the Netherlands
Is there an entrance fee required to visit churches in the Netherlands?
Yes, there are many churches in the Netherlands that require an entrance fee. Some of these churches include Nieuwe Kerk (INR 1400), Ons Leeuw Heer op Solder (INR 950), Oude Kerk (INR 850) and Laurens Church (INR 85).
What are some popular churches in the Netherlands?
The list of some of the popular churches in the Netherlands includes the Oude Kerk, Ons Leeuw Heer op Solder, Zuiderkerk, Nieuwe Kerk and the English Reformed Church.
What are some of the largest churches in the Netherlands?
The Protestant Church of the Netherlands is the largest in the country. Furthermore, the Nieuwe Kerk, Moses and Aaron Church, Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and the Westerkerk are also some of the largest churches in the Netherlands.
Which is the oldest church in the Netherlands?
The Oude Kerk Church is the oldest in the Netherlands, founded in 1213 and consecrated by the Bishop of Utrecht in 1306 with St. Nicholas.
How to reach Oud Kerk Church, Netherlands?
The Oud Kerk Church is located in the city of Amsterdam which is highly accessible by transportation. You can easily reach the church entrance by taking a taxi or bus from Oudezides Voorburgwal.
What is the most expensive church to visit in the Netherlands?
Generally, most churches in the Netherlands are free to visit, although some churches require an entrance fee. The most expensive church of Netherlands is Nieuwe Kerk, where one has to spend Rs 1400 to visit.
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