The architect A. C. Bleys designed this church, built in 1887, with its dark and eerie interior as a replacement to all the clandestine Catholic churches that arose during the Reformation. Following in the footsteps of first Oude Kerk and then Museum Amstelkring's "Our Lord in the Attic" chapel, this church became the third and most likely final Sint Nicolaas church. St. Nick (or Sinter Klaas as he is called here) is the patron saint of children, thieves, prostitutes, sailors, and the city of Amsterdam. The eve of his birthday on December 6 is still celebrated as a mellow family feast where everyone exchanges self-made presents and poems. Note that the church is open only when volunteer custodians are available. It hosts a Gregorian chant vesper service September to June on Sunday at 5.
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