From the water
Built as a temporary place of worship, once described as a preaching shed, today the Amstelkerk is one of the most beautiful churches in Amsterdam. The municipal architect Daniël Stalpaert had this wooden church built between 1668 and 1670, with plans for it to be replaced by a large stone church on the Amstelveld. In the end that was never built, so not only can we still enjoy this intimate temporary church, but the distinctive Amstelveld square has also been preserved. The building is no longer in use as a church. Some parts have been converted to office space, and the church is used for classical concerts.
The story behind it
The Amstelkerk was built in 1670 as a temporary wooden church while a larger stone church was planned. That bigger church was never built, so the “temporary” church has now stood for more than 350 years.
Its white wooden facade makes it unique among Amsterdam’s churches. Today it is used for concerts, meetings and events, surrounded by the peaceful Amstelveld square.
On your cruise
This is stop 17 of 23 on the Friendship route. Before this you passed The Seven Bridges, and the boat continues towards Prinsengracht. Your skipper will point it out as you pass — keep your camera ready, because from the water you see details that are easily missed from the street.
Want to see it in person? All our cruises follow the heart of this route, and with a private cruise you can even ask your skipper to linger a little longer at your favourite spots.
