De Krijtberg, also called the Church of St. Francis Xavier, is a Roman Catholic church on Singel in central Amsterdam. Its Neo-Gothic design rises between the surrounding canal-side buildings, with twin spires, stained-glass windows, detailed woodwork and marble altars to look for inside. The church is still used for worship, and its quiet interior gives you space to pause away from the streets. The site’s Catholic history reaches back to a clandestine church built here in 1654, when Catholics could not worship openly.
A church built upward
De Krijtberg stands on Singel, between the Singel and Herengracht canals. Houses press close on three sides, leaving little room for a broad church. The design responds by reaching upward, bringing height and light into a restricted site.
The present church was built in 1883. Its Neo-Gothic form is especially visible in the twin spires and the tall interior. The architect, Alfred Tepe, designed around 70 churches. At De Krijtberg, the vertical layout helps draw natural light into the building.
Catholic worship on the Singel
The church is also known as the Church of St. Francis Xavier and remains an active Roman Catholic place of worship. Its history at this address goes back to 1654, when a Jesuit church was built behind the merchant house De Crijtbergh. Catholics were not then allowed to practise openly, so worship took place out of public view. The name De Krijtberg comes from that merchant house.
Services include an English-language Catholic Mass on Saturday at 5:15 PM, as well as Latin and Dutch Masses on Sunday morning. Attending a service lets you see the church as a place of worship, not only as an architectural stop. Gregorian chant has been heard during services.
Details to look for inside
Take a moment with the stained-glass windows, whose colours show particularly well in sunlight. The woodwork, marble altars and detailed sculptures reward a slower look too. The church’s high, colourful interior contrasts with its setting among the canal-side buildings.
If you want a quiet pause, you can sit inside for reflection or prayer. Candles are available with a reported donation of 50 cents. Keep the church’s religious purpose in mind while visiting, especially during a service.
Häufige Fragen
Where is De Krijtberg in Amsterdam?
It is at Singel 446, between the Singel and Herengracht canals.
When is the English-language Mass at De Krijtberg?
The Saturday English-language Catholic Mass is at 5:15 PM.
What should I look for inside De Krijtberg?
Look for the stained-glass windows, detailed woodwork, marble altars and sculptures.
How long does a visit to De Krijtberg take?
Allow about 15 to 30 minutes for a visit.
