Nieuwe Kerk

Nieuwe Kerk ("New Church") at Dam Square in Amsterdam is a 15th century church that was built because the Oude Kerk ("Old Church") was too small for the growing population of the city in the early 1400's. Construction began in 1380 and finished in 1408. The church is used for royal inaugurations and royal weddings. Buried at Nieuwe Kerk are Dutch naval heroes Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, Commodore Jan van Galen and Jan van Speyk and others. Poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel is also buried in the church.