Directions
Stroll down the even-numbered side of the Prinsengracht until you reach a large, brick-paved square on the right. This open area is called the Noordermarkt.
Noorderkerk
- The church that dominates the open square is the Noorderkerk, or "north church," designed by Hendrick de Keyser and completed in 1623 (after his death).
- The Noorderkerk's footprint takes the shape of a Greek cross; the triangular spaces at each of the four corners create an octagonal groundplan.
- This design lends itself to an interior in which attendees can see the pulpit clearly from any seat in the circular pews.
- Noorderkerk was originally built for the working class of the Jordaan, who felt the Westerkerk was too far away. (See the final leg of this tour for more about the Westerkerk.)
- Today, the Noorderkerk still has a solid Protestant congregation and holds regular Saturday concerts.
Noordermarkt
- The Noordermarkt, or "north market," is home to a bustling flea market every Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., specializing in clothes, fabrics and some bric-a-brac treasures.
- On Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Noordermarkt hosts an organic boerenmarkt ("farmers' market"), where vendors offer biologische ("organic") vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses and even condiments. It's truly a feast for the senses!
- Historically a site for demonstrations, protesters gathered at the Noordermarkt in February 1941 to rally against the Nazi deportation of Jews (the event is commemorated on the church's south side).
