Vondelkerk, Amsterdam

Vondelkerk, Amsterdam

Nestled on the periphery of the Vondelpark stands the Vondelkerk, characterized by its brown-brick exterior and imposing spire, a structure that has weathered its share of misfortune. The construction of this church commenced in 1872, guided by the architectural vision of Petrus J.H. Cuypers, renowned for his iconic creations, including Amsterdam's Central Station and the Rijksmuseum. However, financial constraints forced a temporary halt to construction in the subsequent year, and the edifice remained incomplete until the 1880s. Two decades later, a calamitous stroke of lightning ignited a devastating fire, reducing its tower to ashes, with the current spire added much later. Throughout its existence, the church grappled with the challenge of attracting a sizable congregation, yet it persevered until its ultimate deconsecration in 1979.

Nonetheless, this neo-Gothic cross-basilica, considered by Cuypers to be his magnum opus, captivates not only with its architectural splendor but also with its central position within the Vondelstraat community. In fact, Cuypers himself chose to dwell in one of the residences overlooking this ecclesiastical marvel.

Stepping inside, visitors can behold a symbolic representation of the holy city of Jerusalem displayed on a shield, while the stained glass windows adorn the sanctuary with depictions of the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Tip:
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Vondelkerk on Map

Sight Name: Vondelkerk
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Creating your own self-guided walk in Amsterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Jordaan Walking Tour

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Red Light District Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Southern Canal Belt Walking Tour

Southern Canal Belt Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

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The Jodenbuurt (Jewish Quarter) of Amsterdam had been the center of the Dutch Jewish community from the 16th century up until the Second World War. The neighborhood is best known as the birthplace of Baruch Spinoza, the home of Rembrandt, and the Jewish ghetto under the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

Once crowded with open-air stalls, smoking factories and tenement buildings, the Old...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Western Canal Belt Walking Tour

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Western Canal Belt is a historic neighborhood in Amsterdam that forms part of the larger Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which comprises a web of concentric canals. The three main canals making up the Western Belt are Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. They are lined with beautiful and somewhat bizarre gabled houses that were built by prosperous merchants in the 17th century,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
City Center Walking Tour

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The inner-most borough and historic heart of Amsterdam, known locally as Centrum, is a tightly woven network of canals and overlapping micro-neighborhoods, each bursting with their own unique vibe and history. Formerly a working-class area, this district is reputed for its traditional community spirit, radical politics and historic brown bars.

Here, all within an easy walking distance you will...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

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