Noorderkerk

One of De Jordaan's biggest and most beautiful Churches

Located in one of the oldest and picturesque parts of the Jordaan, Noorderkerk (Northern Church) is a beautiful 17th century church, surrounded by small narrow streets and overlooking the Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht canals. Shaped in the form of a Greek cross, the church was designed by sculptor and architect Hendrik de Keyser who was also renowned for his work on Zuiderkerk (Southern Church), Westerkerk (Western Church), the Commodity Exchange (dismantled in the 19th century) and the Town Hall of Delft. Built as a Protestant church for the area's poor working class, as opposed to Westerkerk which was a place of worship for the wealthier inhabitants, construction work began in 1620. Hendrik de Keyser died the following year and the work was carried on by his son Pieter until its completion two years later. As with other churches in the city, observers manned the bell tower so as to raise the alarm in the event of fire. The external architecture is impressive, but the interior in comparison is bland and austere, devoid of decoration. A Saturday market is held on the square surrounding the building which attracts a lot of visitors. The market has numerous stalls selling organic farmers produce, cloths and materials, fruit and vegetables and general bric-a-brac. The church is open to the public on Monday and Saturday mornings. Sunday church services are held at 10 AM and 6.30 PM and there are regular concerts and recitals.

Noorderkerk (Northern Church) was built in the early 17th century on demand by the common people living in the Jordaan. This church is the only symmetrical church compared to the Southern Church and Western Church located in the City centre of Amsterdam. It reflects thre Renaissance and Protestant style. The church still has an active community today.

why would you ring the bells every 30 minutes....

Beautiful place for worship, conferences or yust to admire the architecture