Amsterdam - New Church

(Local Name: Nieuwe Kerk) The Coronation church of the Dutch monarchs (since 1814) lies in the heart of the city next to the Royal Palace on the Dam, and its most recent great event (after 22 years of renovation work) was the coronation of Queen Beatrix on 30 April 1980. The church is no longer used for services. Antique fairs, art exhibitions and regular organ concerts take place here. Strangely enough this church has only a small tower instead of a high steeple. The money for something larger was not forthcoming because it had been used to build the Royal Palace. The church dates from the early 15th C. Its foundation charter is dated 1408 when the Bishop of Utrecht granted the city of Amsterdam the right to have a second parish (the first was that of the Oude Kerk). The Amsterdam banker William Eggert presented the site. After his death he was buried in the church and his son had a chapel named after him built on to the church. When Amsterdam was ravaged by fire in 1421 and 1452 the New Church suffered considerable damage, but in each case was quickly restored. Its present aspect dates roughly from 1490. The imposing late-Gothic cruciform basilica was almost completely burnt down in 1645 owing, it is said, to the carelessness of a craftsman. After its reconstruction, which took about three years, the church was reconsecrated with a service of thanksgiving for the Peace of Münster (1648). The magnificent pulpit (1649) by Albert Vinckenbrink, a marvel of Baroque woodcarving, is decorated with the four evangelists and figures symbolizing Faith, Hope, Charity, Justice and Prudence. The church has a notable organ of 1670, the case of which was designed by Jacob van Campen, an exceptionally beautiful choir screen, cast in bronze, and fine choir-stalls. Of great interest are the tombs of many famous Dutchmen, including P. C. Hooft and Nicholas Tulp and the Baroque tomb of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter (d. 1679) by the high altar. The stained-glass windows are also interesting: one of them (dated 1650) depicts the granting of the city's coat of arms by Willam IV; the Queen's Window (1898) commemorates the coronation of Queen Wilhelmina.