Nieuwe Kerk
Nieuwe Kerk is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Amsterdam audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~45 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Amsterdam Amsterdam guide
About Nieuwe Kerk
Amsterdam's 14th-century Gothic 'New Church' on Dam Square, where Dutch monarchs are crowned and Admiral De Ruyter lies in state.
The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) on Dam Square is one of Amsterdam's oldest and most important churches, despite its name. Construction began around 1408, making it over six hundred years old, hardly "new" by any standard, but new relative to the Oude Kerk (Old Church) in the Red Light District. The church is built in the Gothic style and survived multiple devastating fires during its construction, with the current structure largely dating from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Since 1815 it has been the site of investiture ceremonies for the Dutch monarchs, including the most recent, King Willem-Alexander in 2013. Notable tombs within the church include that of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, the greatest naval commander in Dutch history, who defeated the English fleet in the Raid on the Medway in 1667. Today the church no longer holds regular religious services but functions as a major cultural venue hosting world-class exhibitions.
Did you know? Despite being called the "New Church", Nieuwe Kerk is over 600 years old, it's only "new" compared to the Oude Kerk which dates from around 1250.
How long should you spend at Nieuwe Kerk?
Plan about ~45 min at Nieuwe Kerk. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Nieuwe Kerk worth visiting?
Nieuwe Kerk is one of the 42 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Amsterdam, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Amsterdam
Hear the story of Nieuwe Kerk
Preview the Amsterdam tour free in the Gingerguide app.