The Netherlands is a kingdom, and its monarchs have a custom of marrying and being crowned in the same place, the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. This is one of the most important churches in the nation, as well as one of the most representative. If you want to know a space where Dutch history and tradition are present in every corner, it is time to visit this extraordinary temple.
Since its inception, the Dutch had to overcome many challenges, ranging from the poverty of the region to the incessant threat from the sea. Fortunately, these challenges were overcome, and prosperity allowed the country to grow.
Of course, this growth caused an increase in population, and when the 15th century arrived, the old church in Amsterdam did not have enough space to receive more worshipers. To solve this problem, the construction of a New Church was planned.
In Dutch, this is known as the Nieuwe Kerk, and it took more than a century to complete. When it opened, the church became the most visited temple in the metropolis, and since it was located in the center of the city, it became the place where Dutch kings were married and crowned.
Due to the fact that, during its construction process, the church suffered numerous damages and had to be redesigned, it is possible to see remnants of the Gothic, Neoclassical and even Renaissance styles.
Also, one of the curiosities of this temple is that its continuous reforms made it too expensive to maintain it, so it was donated to a cultural association, created to maintain and conserve this religious space.
In the same way, the interior of the Nieuwe Kerk is peculiar, since although it is quite spacious, it has almost no decoration. The stained glass windows, the gilded details, the organ and some carved wooden sculptures are some of the few decorative elements that are preserved.
This peculiar internal distribution has its origin in the Protestant Reformation, when many of the local churches gave up their religious decorations to have a more austere and simple appearance.
Similarly, the Nieuwe Kerk continues to offer religious services, but this is not the main function of this space. Instead, various cultural exhibitions are now held, including art exhibitions and academic conventions.
If you are in the center of Amsterdam, it is easy to get to the Nieuwe Kerk, since it is opposite Dam Square, the busiest in the city. In addition, it is also located just a few meters from the Central Station.
To enter the Nieuwe Kerk, you have to buy a ticket. Also, the church is open every day, so you can go whenever you want.
It is recommended that, before making a visit, you review the schedule of activities that will take place in the Nieuwe Kerk, as it is more interesting when an event is taking place.
However, if you prefer to explore it freely and appreciate its historical details, you can visit it when there is no cultural activity taking place.
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