Jomoud's Fotothing

My 2008 trip to Holland.

AMSTERDAM.

ST.NICHOLASKERK (St. Nicholas Church)
The tall and spacious building of St. Nicolaaskerk (St. Nicholas), houses one of Amsterdam's best known "new" churches. The church is situated opposite of Central Station at the heart of the city. The Roman Catholic Church is considered a rare example of the neo-Baroque style. Overall, the structure is exceedingly exceptional because most of the newer Catholic churches feature a neo-Gothic design promoted by Cuypers in Holland. This church, however, remains an anomaly for all to see.

The church boasts a unique history tying to that of the Oude Kerk (Old Church). In 1578, the city of Amsterdam was declared a protestant town. Catholics were then forbidden to worship during public services. The old parish of St. Nicolaaskerk was renamed Oude Kerk. The Oude Kerk housed a secret church hidden in its attic where the Catholics continued to worship and host St. Nicholas as its patron saint. The congregation utilized the facility long after they were no longer considered second-class citizens. Finally, in 1887, the church was replaced with today's building. Thus the neo-Baroque style church was born.

The floor plan of the buidling is a conventional one featuring a three-aisled cruciform basiclian church. Two towers harbor Baroque-style spires that rise into the sky. The façade is between the towers and features a large rose window. There is also a relief depicting Jesus and the four Evangelists. The church's transept has polygonal closures on each side. The crossing features a large octagonal tower upon which a Baroque dome is perched. Restorations for the dome, which once featured marvelous stain-glass windows, are planned for the future.