Prinsengracht 279, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Mon-Fri: 10.00am - 3.00pm
Sat: 10.00am - 3.00pm (1 April to 1 November only)
Sun: 10.30am - 12 noon (service only)
Westerkerk is the largest Protestant church in the Netherlands, which is situated in the westernmost part of the Grachtengordel neighborhood in Amsterdam. Designed by a renowned sculptor and architect named Hendrick de Keyser, it has also got the highest church tower in the capital city.
The church was built between 1620 and 1631.
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| The height of the tower is 85 m. |
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| There's a bronze plate commemorating a famous Dutch singer called Willy Alberti. |
I wasn't aware that the church would only be open till 3.00pm, but my BFF and I reached there about an hour before its closing time.
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| That must be the most fanciful donation box I've ever seen in my life. |
The church was built in the Dutch Renaissance style and in the form of a patriarchal cross. It's 48 m long, 28 m wide and 27.5 m high.
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| The pillars are made of Bentheim sandstone painted dark grey. |
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| The small choir organ isn't the only organ available in the church. |
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| The leaves of the Burning Bush sculpture made of brass are candle holders. |
According to Calvinism, a branch of Protestanism, playing musical instruments inside a place of worship was considered profane in those days. Hence, there was no organ when the church was consecrated on 8 June 1631. It took many years of consultation until an organ was finally allowed, leading to the installation of an impressive-looking one.
Do take a look at the souvenir shop if you're interested.
Royal weddings usually take place at Nieuwe Kerk next to the Royal Palace. However, due to its renovation of back in 1966, the marriage between Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus von Amsberg was solemnised in Westerkerk.
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