At the end of the 14th century, when de Oude Kerk (The Old Church) became too small, De Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church) was built. Built after the example of Amiens Cathedral, the Gothic church was dedicated to Our Lady and the Saint Catherine. However, the name has always remained De Nieuwe Kerk in distinction from the Oude Kerk. The most visited church in the Netherlands was opened in the spring of 1410. In 1578, when Catholicism was outlawed, the rich decoration was replaced by a Protestant interior: the statues and altarpieces were removed or destroyed, and the walls painted white.
For the past 30 years, the church has been a thriving cultural center and is famous for its high profile exhibitions. The church is also known as the site of the coronation of the head of state and the national memorial on May 4. Princess Beatrix was inaugurated in here in 1980 and in 2002 the marriage took place between King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima Zorreguieta.
