Clandestine church

The term Schuilkerk ( to German Hidden Church or slip Church ) referred to in the Netherlands churches that are not directly visible from the outside as churches. This form of church building was in the time of the Republic of the Seven United Provinces in the 17th and 18th centuries mainly practiced on the part of Catholics, Lutherans, Mennonites and Remonstrants ( Doopsgezinde ). The Netherlands was coined at that time for the most part Calvinist. Other religious groups were tolerated (see also Golden Age ), but were not allowed to openly appear. Of these, the Catholics, but also smaller Protestant churches were affected. After the Synod of Dort 1618/19, this applied also excluded from the Reformed Church Arminianism. Despite a plain facade some of the hidden churches were richly decorated inside.

In the country such churches were often built in smaller residential buildings or barns, so this also as Schuurkerk (barn church) were designated.

Facility

Initially Schuilkerken were only very provisionally established. Later, the style of the time was spent at the facility. Catholic Schuilkerken were in the Baroque style, often decorated with art objects from the Southern Netherlands. Due to the very limited footprint Schuilkerken many were in the cities with galleries so as to offer more seating.

Still existing Schuilkerken

In the Netherlands, there are still numerous Schuilkerken. Mention may be made, inter alia:

• Doopsgezinde Kerk in Utrecht
• Saints Peter and Paul Church ( also called De Papegaai ( The Parrot ) in Amsterdam ( Kalverstraat )
• Chapel on the Begijnhof in Amsterdam
• Catholic Schuilkerk Ons ' Lieve Heer op Solder in Amsterdam (now Museum Amstelkring )
• Singelkerk on the Singel in Amsterdam