De Ruyter's tomb
The Netherlands' most famous admiral, in the nave.
Diego Delso โ CC BY-SA 4.0 ยท C messier โ CC BY-SA 4.0 ยท Dietmar Rabich โ CC BY-SA 4.0 ยท C messier โ CC BY-SA 4.0
The Oude Kerk is the oldest building in Amsterdam, from the thirteenth century, standing in the middle of the Red Light District โ a juxtaposition that is part of the city's strangeness. It still works as a spiritual space alongside exhibitions, and holds the grave of Rembrandt's wife. The Nieuwe Kerk is larger and more central on Dam Square, but wholly an exhibition hall. For the historic building: the Oude Kerk. For the exhibition: the Nieuwe Kerk.
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The Nieuwe Kerk stands on Dam Square beside the Royal Palace, and its name misleads: it was built in the fifteenth century and is new only relative to the Oude Kerk, two centuries older. Its function today is entirely non-religious โ it has not been a parish for decades, and serves as a major exhibition hall hosting one or two shows a year, usually on civilisations, royal collections or photography. But its formal role remains: every Dutch monarch is inaugurated here. And the distinction is deliberate: the Netherlands does not crown its monarchs. No crown is placed on the sovereign's head โ the crown sits on a table beside them โ and instead they swear an oath on the constitution before parliament. This reflects a monarchy constitutional from its foundation rather than sacred. Inside the church is the tomb of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, the most famous of Dutch sailors.
The Netherlands' most famous admiral, in the nave.
One or two a year inside a Gothic nave.
Dam, 1012 Amsterdam