Religious, Spiritual sights in The Netherlands
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A
Nieuwe Kerk
The Nieuwe Kerk, is a historical stage for Dutch coronations. The 15th-century, late-Gothic basilica is only ‘new’ in relation to the Oude Kerk. A few monumental items dominate the otherwise spartan interior – a magnificent carved oak chancel, a bronze choir screen, a massive organ and enormous stained-glass windows. The building is now used for exhibitions and organ concerts. Opening times and admission fees can vary, depending on what’s going on.
reviewed
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B
Sint Janskerk
Sint Janskerk is a small 17th-century Gothic church, one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. A remarkable red colour, it photographs beautifully. Climb to the top (€2) for sweeping views.
reviewed
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C
Amstelkerk
The unique pinewood Amstelkerk was erected in 1668 as a noodkerk (makeshift church) under the direction of the city architect, Daniël Stalpaert. The idea was that the congregation would have somewhere to meet while a permanent church arose next to it. Plans for a stone church were abandoned in the 1840s, and the Amstelkerk’s square interior was updated with neo-Gothic alterations, including a pipe organ. The building now houses the offices of a local city restoration group, and is a popular concert venue. The seats under the shady plane trees at the adjacent bar-restaurant NEL are a wonderful place to nurse a drink.
reviewed
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D
Synagogues
There are a few working synagogues left in the country. It began life a century ago as a mosque (the light arches and minarets are dead giveaways) but now houses a school and temporary exhibition space; its beautifully restored wooden ceiling is one of the interior’s highlights.
reviewed
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E
Martinikerk
The 16th-century Martinikerk is at the northern corner of the Grote Markt. Its tower, the Martinitoren, is 96m tall and is considered to have one of the most finely balanced profiles in the country. A climb to the top yields stellar views.
reviewed
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F
Guan Yin Shrine
The Guan Yin Shrine is Europe’s first Chinese-imperial-style Buddhist temple. It is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, and it’s worth a peek inside.
reviewed