Amsterdam - South Church

(Local Name: Zuiderkerk) The Zuiderkerk, built between 1603 and 1611 (tower completed 1614) was the first Protestant church to be built in Amsterdam after the Reformation. Its architect was Hendrik de Keyzer, who is also buried here, according to a memorial with verses by Joost van den Vondel. The rectangular basilica-type triple nave church, with six sets of coffer-vaulting, originally had 16 stained-glass windows, but these were removed as early as 1658 to let more light in. The Zuiderkerk ceased to be a church in 1929 and its art treasures were then stored elsewhere. Its most tragic use was in 1944/45 when it served as a temporary mortuary for the many victims of the "Hunger Winter" (memorial tablet on the churchyard wall). Since 1950 the Zuiderkerk has been used for various exhibitions, particularly by the town planners. After thorough restoration in the late 1970s it is now the center for local social and cultural activities.