The Nieuwe Kerk is a landmark church in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The
Nieuwe Kerk (Dutch for "New Church") is located on Dam Square, next to
the royal palace. The Nieuwe Kerk was started in the late 14th century
when the Netherlands were still totally Catholic. When the bishop of
Utrecht gave permission to build the church in 1408, the Oude Kerk ("Old
Church") was already over a century old, and too small for the growing
population of the city. The Nieuwe Kerk was consecrated St. Mary and St.
Catharine.
Since the Reformation the Nieuwe Kerk has played a small role in
Dutch history. Whenever a new Dutch monarch is crowned, the coronation
takes place in the Nieuwe Kerk. Nieuwe Kerk is also the burial location
for many of the Netherlands' famous military leaders. Famous leaders
interred in the Nieuwe Kerk include Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, Commodore
Jan van Galen, Admiral Charles Jacob Berghuis, and Jan van Speyk.
The Netherlands, like the rest of Europe has become more secular
in recent years, and as a result, the Nieuwe Kerk has a new more secular
role in Amsterdam. In addition to being a tourist site, the Nieuwe Kerk
also has exhibitions and classical music recitals.