Description of the attraction
The Western Church is an old Protestant church in the center of Amsterdam. The oldest churches, such as the Old and New, were originally built as Roman Catholic churches and became Protestant during the Reformation in 1578. The Western Church is one of the first churches that were built as Protestant from the very beginning, only the Northern and Southern Churches are older than it. But even now the Western Church remains the largest church in the Netherlands, built as a Protestant. The Protestant tradition does not recognize decorations in the church, so the interior of the temple is not distinguished by splendor. But the play of light that enters through 36 window openings leaves an unforgettable impression.
The church was erected in 1620-1631. designed by the famous Dutch architect Hendrik de Keyser. He is also the author of many other churches in Amsterdam, in particular, North and South. The spire of the Western Church, known as the Western Tower, is the tallest in the city at 85 meters.
In 1631 there was no organ in the church, because according to Calvinist teaching, playing musical instruments in church walls was frowned upon. Its organ appeared here only in 1686.
The famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn is buried in the Western Church. The exact location of his grave is unknown; most likely, it is located near the northern wall. The artist's son Titus is also buried here.
Not far from the church is the Anne Frank Memorial House, and the church itself is mentioned in her diaries.
The future Queen of the Netherlands, Beatrix, was married in the Western Church in 1966.
