On the Noordermarkt Square in Amsterdam, reflecting the ideals of Renaissance Protestantism, is a beautiful cross-shaped church; the Noorderkerk. The name Noorderkerk means the “northern church” and is called so since it is located in the northern part of the Jordaan neighbourhood. The architect of this church was Hendrick de Keyser, who also built the Westerkerk. This Church has a unique octagonal floor. The structure resembles a Greek cross which has four arms of equal length and each corner of this cross is occupied by annex buildings. At the centre of the cross is a small tower. Four triangular houses tucked into the cross’s angles were built in 1621 by Hendrick Staets, who wanted to make use of the available space. There is evident domination of large Tuscan pillars in the interiors of the church and on the exterior a plaque reminds us of the protests against Nazi deportation of city’s Jews in 1941. Between 1993 and 1998, the Church was restored while the organ was reinstated in 2005.
Along with being a place of worship, the Noorderkerk is also a place for classical music recitals. The Church also displays archeological artifacts in its southern annex. It is now used for Dutch Reformed Church services.

Located near Amsterdam’s Jordaan district, in Prinsengracht canal, is the highest church- The Westerkerk. The 85 meter high structure is one of the oldest churches in the city and its tower, topped with a blue, red and golden crown is symbolic of the imperial crown of Maximilian the First of Austria. Initially, this Church was built by the city architect Hendrick de Keyser but after his death in 1621, his son Pieter took over. Built for Protestant service, this church exhibits Dutch Renaissance style along with a hint of Gothic style.
Westerkerk is not just known for being the highest church but also for its historic importance. The Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn was buried in the northern part of the church in 1699, along with Hendrickje Stoffels, his lover and Titus, his son. Other painters like Nicolaes Berchem, Gillis d’Hondecoeter and Govert Flinck are also buried in the church premises. The frequently mentioned clock tower and the chimes of the church in Anne Frank’s diary refer to the Westerkerk since the Achterhuis (Anne Frank house) is located close to the church. Princess Beatrix (present Queen of The Netherlands) and Prince Claus were married in this Church.
The Westerkerk now plays an important role in the cultural and religious life of Amsterdam. It is famous for the annual Good Friday performance of Bach’s St. John Passion by the Choir of Westerkerk and the monthly cantatas are also well- known. The ecumenical nature of the Sunday service attracts many worshippers from not only Amsterdam but from all over.

Amsterdam has many beautiful churches like Westerkerk and Noorderkerk. The Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk more commonly known as the Church of Our Lady is one among them. Built in the 11th century, run by the Opus Dei, this is a Roman oratory church founded by Redemptorist Fathers and is situated in the St. Nicholas Parish. Hearing of confessions and choral liturgy is of major importance in this church.
If you want to experience the magic of Michelangelo’s work then a visit to this church is a must. There are plenty of his sculptures which are as alluring as the “Madonna and Child”. The beauty of the church is not limited to its huge brick tower; it extends to the interior of the church which has huge paintings and poignant carvings. The stained glass windows add to the beauty of this architectural marvel. Adjoined to this church is a museum, the Gruuthuse museum which is 122 meters high. This museum exhibits the church’s treasures and also has excavated tombs underneath which can be seen on payment of a small fee.
This church has services like Vigil Eucharist, Eucharist for the Italian and Surinam community, High Mass along with Latin hymns and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Nieuwe Kerk or the “New Church” is located on Dam square next to the Royal Palace in Amsterdam and was built in the 14th century. This church was built since Oude Kerk (Old Church) was unable to serve the increasing number of parishioners. After being damaged by fire several times in 1645, the Church was rebuilt in Gothic style. Dutch Prince Willem Alexander and Princess Maxima married in this Church in 2002. It has been the National Church since 1815 and has been hosting royal weddings and inaugurations.
Even though this church is tower-less, it illustrates the original early Renaissance style features. It has beautifully decorated stained glass windows which depict events like the coronation of Queen Wilhelmina. The interior has an admirable altar, great pipe organ, sepulchral monuments with the tomb of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, a Dutch Naval hero. When this Church became a Protestant one in 1578, many of its treasures were removed and frescoes were painted over.
Now the church is a popular exhibition space and is no more used for services. However, it is still used for recitals. The themes of the exhibitions keep changing; one of the famous themes was the Buddhist art of ancient Bactria. Postcards, books and gifts are sold at a museum store in the Church. A popular café adjoining the Church, the Nieuwe Café has a large outer terrace.

The Begijnhof Chapel, dedicated to Saint John and Saint Ursula, is a Roman Catholic chapel run by the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, in the St Nicholas Parish of Amsterdam. Here the commemoration of the Miracle of Amsterdam is maintained. The first steps in the construction of the present chapel were taken as early as 1665, after joining two houses bought for that purpose at the initiative of parish priest Van der Mije (1665-1700); his nephew laid the foundation stone on 2 July 1671. The municipality approved the building plans on condition that the building did not look like a church from the outside. The chapel was designed by the Catholic architect in Amsterdam, Philips Vingboons (1607-78), and was dedicated to St John the Evangelist and St Ursula. In its present form, it has a gallery with a left and a right section, resting on six wooden columns. The front with its leaded ogive windows dates only from the 19th century.

One of the prettiest towers in Amsterdam that even inspired few of Monet’s paintings is at the South Church or the Zuiderkerk. Built during the years of 1603 to 1614, the Zuiderkerk was the first protestant or Reformist Church in Amsterdam. This magnificent structure was designed by renowned Dutch architect Hendrick de Keyser.

The Church was built with respect to the Renaissance style of architecture. There are claims that the design of Zuiderkerk even inspired the great British architect Sir Christopher Wren, the builder of St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

The Zuiderkerk may have acted as inspiration, model and trophy for a few but there was a time when the structure also served as a morgue for the city. During the final years of the Second Word War, there was a fierce scarcity of food and people were dying faster than they could be buried. Famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt is also connected to this Church in several ways. Three of Rembrandt’s children were buried at the Zuiderkerk. Because of the proximity of his house to the church, there is also speculation that he finished some of his most famous works at the church rather than his studio. Today, the Church serves as Municipal Exhibition Center, displaying Amsterdam’s future building plans.

In the midst of De Wallen, the largest and best known Red Light District in Amsterdam is the oldest parish of the city, the Oudekerk or Old Church. St. Nicholas is the main patron of this stunning Roman Catholic Church. Not only is the structure one of the oldest, the Church is home to the city’s oldest church bells that date back to 1450.

This stunning Church dates back to the early 14th century which started off as a modest wooden Chapel. The Church later took form of this magnificent late Gothic structure that it is today. It was constructed on an old cemetery and even today one can see that the floor of the Oudekerk contains gravestones. Beneath the floors of the Church lie at rest more than 10,000 Amsterdam denizens, some of whom were quite famous personalities. The Church is the resting place of Jacob van Heemskerck, a naval hero, Frans Banning Cocq, central character of Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Dutch composer Jan Sweelinck.

The splendor of the Oudekerk is contained not only in its exterior, the inside the church is equally breath taking. This three nave Church manages to transport its visitors back to the past with its grandeur and elegance. The Church from the insides is surprisingly spacious, with the ceiling made of wood and covered with some magnificent paintings depicting saints and events in the Bible.

One of the most inspiring structures in Amsterdam is the St Nicolaaskerk or the St Nicolas Church. A unique amalgamation of Neo- Baroque, neo-Renaissance and traditional Dutch architecture, the Church of Saint Nicolas is one of the most splendid structures in Amsterdam.
Built in the late 19th century, the Church is known as one of the best designed churches in modern day Amsterdam.

This overpowering structure was designed by architect A.C. Bleijs, who built it with a vision of reviving different styles of architecture. The chief patron of the Church St. Nicolas, commonly known as Santa Claus, is also Amsterdam’s patron saint. The Church of Saint Nicholas is still one of the main churches in the city that practice Roman Catholicism and services are held regularly even today. Along with masses, the church is also known for its choir and musical recitals. People from all over visit the church to listen to the 19th century organ which is still played during service.

The overwhelming presence of the ornate octagonal dome with the identical towers by it side and the stained glass window that separate them are truly a feat of sheer architectural brilliance. Not only is St. Nicholaaskerk magnificent on the outside, the interiors too are spellbinding. Decorated by one of the most gifted artists of the 19th century, Jan Dunselman the Church in its full right is a true delight to visit.