Description of the attraction
In the heart of Amsterdam, in one of its oldest enclosed courtyards known as the Beguinage, is the Anglican Reformed Church or Scottish Church, which is definitely worth a visit. This is one of the most interesting sights of the capital, as well as one of the oldest, but perfectly preserved to this day, buildings in the city.
Beguins once lived in the Beguinage, which is why, in fact, the courtyard got its name, and the building of the Anglican Reformed Church was built here in the 14th century as a Catholic chapel and was such until 1578, when Amsterdam was recognized as the official religion. Calvinism. As a result, the old Catholic chapel in the Beguinage, like other Catholic churches in Amsterdam, became the property of the city authorities and was closed. However, the Beguines (those who nevertheless remained to live in the Amsterdam Beguinage after 1578) no longer claimed the chapel, which, as they believed, was "defiled with heresy."
The building was empty until 1607, after which it was provided for worship to English-speaking Protestants living in Amsterdam. This is how the Anglican Reformed Church emerged in Amsterdam, which today is home to the English-speaking congregation associated with the Church of Scotland and the Protestant Church of the Netherlands (formerly the Dutch Reformed Church). In honor of her 400th birthday, on February 5, 2007, a solemn service was held here, which was honored with their presence by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, accompanied by the current Queen of the Netherlands, Beatrix.
It is worth noting that in the late 1970s, the Anglican Reformed Church in Amsterdam became the venue for chamber music concerts, thus providing an excellent opportunity for many young talented musicians to start their careers. The former church organist became the founder of the famous "Academy Of The Begijnhof", which today is rightfully considered one of the best Baroque orchestras in Amsterdam.
