South Church (Zuiderkerk) description and photos - Netherlands: Amsterdam (Topic)

South Church (Zuiderkerk) description and photos - Netherlands: Amsterdam. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Zuiderkerk.

Photo and description

The South Church is the first church in Amsterdam built specifically for Protestant services. It was built in 1603-1611. designed by the famous Dutch architect Hendrik de Keyser, who is buried in the same church. 300 years after his death, in 1921, a memorial plaque was erected over his grave.

The high tower, which gives the church its characteristic silhouette, was completed only in 1614. Carillon - a set of bells - by the Hemoni brothers appeared on the tower in 1656.

This building is a fine example of the late Dutch Renaissance style. As conceived by the architect, the church is made as a pseudo-basilica in the Gothic style, with one central nave and two lower side chapels. Originally, the church was decorated with multi-colored stained-glass windows, but later they were replaced by transparent glasses.

This church is depicted in the famous painting by Claude Monet. It is believed that the painting was painted during his trip to Amsterdam in 1874

Three children of Rembrandt and one of his disciples, Ferdinand Bol, are buried in this church. There is a legend that Rembrandt also painted his famous painting "Night Watch" in this church, because there was little room in his workshop, but this is most likely just a legend. Church services were held here until 1929. In the winter of 1944-45, known as the "hungry winter", the church was used as a temporary morgue, as people who died of hunger did not have time to bury. In 1970 the church was closed because she was on the brink of destruction. In 1976-79. a large-scale reconstruction was carried out, and since then the church houses the city information center and hosts various exhibitions. Since June 2006, the Wall of Fame has been located here, where the names of prominent public, political and cultural figures of the country appear. There is a separate entrance to the tower, and you can also freely go there.

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Topic: South Church (Zuiderkerk) description and photos - Netherlands: Amsterdam.