The Waalse Kerk

The Waalse Kerk is a church located in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The church was built in the 17th century as a Walloon church for the Belgian Protestant community that had settled in Amsterdam.

It was constructed between 1619 and 1621 and designed by architect Jacob van Campen. Over the years, the church has undergone several renovations and restorations.

The Waalse Kerk is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture, which reflects the Dutch Golden Age style of that time.

• A striking tower with a distinctive onion dome shape
• Ornate stone carvings and intricate stucco decorations inside
• Stunning stained-glass windows, pulpit, and pews

The church is one of the few remaining examples of a Baroque church in Amsterdam.

1. A place of worship for the Walloon community, which played an important role in the development of the city's cultural and economic landscape
2. A cultural center and event space, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and other events throughout the year

Every Sunday morning at 11 o'clock, a church service is held in French here. Concerts and music recordings also take place; the church is famous for its very good acoustics.

Cultural Significance

• Several notable burials, including those of painter Bartholomeus van der Helst (1613-1670) and scientist Jan Swammerdam (1637-1680)
• Elizabeth Timothy (1702-1757), the first female American newspaper editor and publisher, was probably baptized here
• A well-known minister of the Waalse Kerk was Marie Adrien Perk, who preached here from 1872 to 1900

The Waalse Kerk was designated a national monument in 1970.