Fire Destroys Historic Vondelkerk Church in Amsterdam

A devastating overnight fire has destroyed the historic Vondelkerk Church in central Amsterdam, one of the Dutch capital’s most recognizable 19th-century landmarks, local media reported.

According to NH Nieuws, the blaze broke out at around 1am and rapidly spread throughout the entire structure. Firefighters warned that the building was at risk of collapse as flames engulfed the roof and interior. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Emergency services sealed off surrounding streets, while dozens of residents living in nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution amid fears the fire could spread. No casualties have been reported.

The Vondelkerk, located next to the city’s iconic Vondelpark, was built between 1872 and 1880 in neo-Gothic style by renowned architect Pierre Cuypers, who also designed Amsterdam’s Central Station and the Rijksmuseum. The church is listed as a national cultural heritage site of the Netherlands.

In recent decades, the Vondelkerk had ceased to function as a regular place of worship and was repurposed as a cultural venue, hosting exhibitions, concerts and public events.

The destruction of the landmark has prompted an outpouring of concern over the loss of a key piece of Amsterdam’s architectural and cultural heritage, as authorities begin investigations into the cause of the fire.