Kirchen im Amsterdamer Grachtengürtel

Historic Churches & Places of Worship

Amsterdam’s Canal Ring area holds a rich tapestry of religious history reflected in its diverse architecture. This collection includes the 15th-century New Church, now a premier exhibition space, and the Westerkerk, a Renaissance masterpiece with the city's tallest tower. Explore the secluded Begijnhof courtyard, once home to a lay religious community, and the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue. Significant Catholic landmarks like the neo-Baroque De Duif and the neoclassical Moses and Aaron Church highlight the city's transition from hidden worship to public grandeur.

Jorge Láscar / CC BY 2.0

New Church

This 15th-century church no longer serves for masses, just like many more churches in Amsterdam.

A.A.W.J. Rietman / CC BY-SA 4.0

Portuguese Synagoge

The Portuguese Synagogue, also known as the Esnoga, or Snoge, is a late 17th-century Sephardic synagogue in Amsterdam, completed in 1675.

Michielverbeek / CC BY-SA 3.0

Westerkerk

Historic Protestant church built in Renaissance style featuring a prominent tall tower and notable architectural elements.

Begijnhof

Historic medieval courtyard featuring well-preserved buildings, a chapel, and a tranquil atmosphere linked to a religious community of unmarried women.

Fnorp / CC-BY-SA-3.0

De Duif

De Duif is a church on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. At present – after the recent restoration by Stadsherstel Amsterdam – it is rented…

Andreas Praefcke / CC BY 3.0

Moses and Aaron Church

The Moses and Aaron Church, in the Waterlooplein neighborhood of Amsterdam, is officially the Roman Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua.

Oana / CC-BY-SA

Krijtberg

A Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church on the Singel canal, designed by architect Alfred Tepe and completed in 1883. Dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, it is known for its ornate, colorful interior and twin spires that rise above the surrounding canal houses.