Nieuwe Kerk, Protestant Reformed church at Nieuwe Kerksplein, Haarlem, Netherlands
Nieuwe Kerk in Haarlem is a Protestant church defined by four Ionic pillars arranged in a Greek cross pattern beneath flat coffered ceilings. Its interior accommodates a freestanding pulpit, a historic organ, and several crafted elements spanning different periods.
The origins trace to a church whose bell was cast in 1749, while the current structure rose between 1645 and 1649 following Jacob van Campen's design. The tower, built in 1613 by Lieven de Key, displays layers of different construction phases across the centuries.
The name refers to its role as the newer Protestant place of worship, distinct from the older St. Bavo church that served the city before the Reformation. Visitors notice the clean, light interior design that encourages quiet reflection, a style very different from the ornate decoration found in older Catholic buildings.
Access is via Nieuwe Kerksplein, a well-connected public square at the city center where you can easily locate the building. Allow time to observe the mechanical clock from 1795 and tower details when viewing the facade from the square.
The tower's upper section displays a sandstone balustrade with pinnacles and an octagonal crown that underwent partial renovations in 1833 and again in 1862. These architectural embellishments often go unnoticed but significantly shape how the tower appears from the surrounding streets.
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