Amsterdam De Krijtberg Church

Built in the late 19th century, the De Krijtberg church is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture. Sitting on the Singel, not far from Koningsplein, the De Krijtberg church is a testament to faith and architectural design in the middle of the busy city. Its grandeur standing tall against the surrounding buildings, makes this beautiful church stand proud in Amsterdam.

The church is a Catholic church and is named after St. Francis Xavier, a Spanish Catholic missionary. 

De Krijtberg Church History

The church was designed by the famous Alfred Tepe. Tepe is a celebrated Dutch architect of his time. Alfred Tepe had a vision, this vision was of a stunning neo-Gothic church that could fit into the urban planning of the tight space in Amsterdam. Inspired by famous cathedrals of Europe, Tepe designed an intricate facade that would stand the test of time. Today the architecture keeps people in awe and will continue to do so for hundreds of years. From a distance the church is an awe inspiring feat of architecture. However, it’s only when you get close and see the intricacies of the stone carvings, stained glass windows and the sheer size of the tall spires that its reverence is fully appreciated.

What makes the architecture even more special is the limited space Tepe had to build it. The design had to take into account all the buildings already in place, this can be seen by the narrow frontage that opens out into the rear of the church. 

The towering bell tower of the De Krijtberg church is a key striking feature in its architecture. Visitors can see the tower soaring above the buildings close by acting as a beacon to the faithful who come for worship.

Inside the De Krijtberg Church

Inside the church, visitors are instantly taken by the vaulted ceilings and the stunning marble altars take your breath away. The ornate chapels bathed in candlelight add even more to the reverence and ambience of the church. 

From the bustle of Amsterdam, stepping into the church brings a calm and spirituality from the acoustics of hymns. The beauty of the building and its open warmth from the glow of light creates a sacred refuge. This refuge is for those looking for solitude and calm, offering a time to reflect and be at one with themself.

Visiting the Church

The church is an operating church and can be visited for prayer on Weekends and daily prayer in the week. For those wishing to enjoy the grand architecture of the church, it is open regularly in the afternoons. Here you can find more information on the church website on opening hours (in English and Dutch).