The New Church

The Nieuwe Kerk was erected in the 15th century. It is here that the oaths and coronations of Dutch rulers (the last one took place in 2013 - King Wilhelm Alexander) and the weddings of the royal family (the last in 2002) take place.

Nieuwe Kerk is located at Dam Square, next to the Royal Palace. It is the second church after Amsterdam built in Oude Kerk. The bishop of Utrecht agreed to the construction of a new church in 1408, because the Oude Kerk was already too small to be able to receive all the inhabitants of the city. Nieuwe Kerk was dedicated to Saint. Mary and St. Catherine.

In 1421 and 1452 the church was destroyed by fires and in 1645 it was almost completely burned. Then it was rebuilt in the Gothic style. In the years 1892–1914 it underwent a major renovation, which resulted in many neo-Gothic details. Another renovation took place in the years 1959–1980.

Currently no services are held in the church, it only serves as a venue for exhibitions and organ concerts.