Amsterdam is a city with a rich history and a large mix of cultures. That means that different religions have left their mark in the city over the centuries.
Historians Hermine Pol and August den Hollander are the creators and take us today in tow: “A lot of the Amsterdam religious heritage has ended up in museums and libraries, but much of the heritage is also just on the street. And if you walk through the city you can see it everywhere. Dear Lord on solder. “The website and app help you discover the stories behind the buildings and objects”.
Catholics and Protestants
In the time of the Reformation, it was difficult for Catholics in the city to openly confess their faith. “They secretly had to practice their faith,” says Pol. One of the places that reflects this secret life is the hiding church. That is a building that is not visible from the outside as a church, but on the inside a lively center for the Catholic community. This hidden church was often the only place where Catholics could share their faith, away from the eyes of the Protestant rulers.
Only in the late 19th century did this change. In 1889 the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was built, and recently even elevated to a cathedral. “After three centuries of oppression, the Catholics were able to confess their faith again in public.”
Walloon
The second place where the historians take us is the Walloon church on the Walenplein, or the French church. “The church is a bit hidden. Amsterdam was a multilingual city, where all kinds of languages were spoken. Actually like today”.