Zuiderkerk (South Church), Amsterdam
The ornate Renaissance tower of the Zuiderkerk inspired Wren and Monet.
Satellite map of the Zuiderkerk in southern Amsterdam. For a larger view,
see our Amsterdam Map or Google Earth download.
Beautiful enough to inspire both Sir Christopher Wren and Monet, the 17th-century Zuiderkerk (South Church) was Amsterdam's first Protestant church.
History
The Zuiderkerk was built between 1603 and 1611 by the great Dutch architect Hendrick de Keyser. It was one of the earliest churches in Amsterdam to be built in the Renaissance style and was the first in the city to be built for the Dutch Reformed Church.
Legend has it this church greatly impressed the great British architect Sir Christopher Wren (builder of London's St. Paul's Cathedral and other churches). Centuries later, Monet painted the Zuiderkerk. In another artistic connection, three of Rembrandt's children were buried in the Zuiderkerk.
On a less happy note, the church floor was used to store the surplus of corpses during the Hunger Winter of 1945.
What to See
Like many of Amsterdam's churches, there are no longer enough worshippers to keep the South Church in business. Today it houses a permanent exhibit on Amsterdam's future building plans sponsored by the City Planning Office.
The church tower is one of the most beautiful structures in Amsterdam. There are fine panoramic views from its balconies, which can be seen on an hourly guided tour. Its bells are played every Thursday between noon and 1.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Zuiderkerk; South Church |
| Type of site: | Dutch Reformed church |
| Dates: | 1603-11 |
| Status: | Deconsecrated |
| Address: | Zuiderkerkhof, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Location: | Between Nieuwmarkt and Waterlooplein |
| Phone: | 020/689-2565 for tower |
| URL: | www.zuiderkerk.amsterdam.nl |
| Tram: | 9 or 14 to Waterlooplein |
| Hours: | Church Mon. 11-4; Tues., Wed., and Fri. 9-4; Thurs. 9-8. Tower (tours only) June-Oct., Wed.-Sat. 2, 3, and 4. |
| Cost: | Free |
Travel Resources
- Amsterdam Map - our interactive city map plus links to more maps
- Amsterdam Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and day trips
- Amsterdam Hostels - search and book budget lodgings
- Amsterdam Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews and price comparisons
- Amsterdam Car Rentals - explore Holland with your own wheels
- Amsterdam Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Amsterdam
Sources
- Personal visit (November 2006; outside only)
- Fodor's Amsterdam, 2nd ed.
- Frommer's Amsterdam
