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Nieuwe Kerk Review

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Nieuwe Kerk

Address: Dam, Centrum, Amsterdam | Map It
Phone: 020/638-6909
www.nieuwekerk.nl

New Church

Category: Religious Sites
Location: Old City Center

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Fodor's Review:

Begun in the 14th century, the Nieuwe Kerk is a soaring Late Gothic structure whose tower was never completed because the authorities—preoccupied with the building of Het Koninklijk Paleis—ran out of money. Whereas the Oude Kerk had the blessing of the Bishop of Utrecht, the Nieuwe Kerk was supported by the local well-to-do merchant class—the result was an endless competition between the two parochial factions. At one point the Oude Kerk led the race with a whopping 38 pulpits against the Nieuwe Kerk's 36. Don't miss the Nieuwe Kerk's magnificently sculpted pulpit by Albert Vinckenbrinck. It took him 19 years to complete. Other features include the unmarked grave of the poet Vondel (the "Dutch Shakespeare"), and the extravagantly marked grave of naval hero Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, who daringly sailed his invading fleet up the river Medway in England in the 17th century. The Nieuwe Kerk has also been the National Church since 1815, when it began hosting the inauguration ceremony for monarchs. Since this does not occur that often, the church has broadened its appeal by serving as a venue for organ concerts and special—invariably excellent and often cutting-edge—exhibitions, which attract a half-million visitors a year.

Cost: Admission varies according to exhibition
Open: During exhibitions open daily 10-5. In between exhibitions hrs vary

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