Sightseeing Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a historic city with lots of places to visit. If you have extra time before or after the conference, there are several options for you to either visit yourselves or book a guided tour.
The 2025 Historic Baptist Walking Tour takes you along various historical places that have a connection with the English Baptists in the 17th century in Amsterdam. You can do this tour independently at your own pace.
Historic Baptist Sites
Visit these four historic sites in any order. All locations are within walking distance of each other.
The Nieuwe Kerk
First built in 1408, the Nieuwe Kerk is the burial site of John Smyth, the founding father of the Baptist church, who was buried here on September 1, 1612. Today, the church serves as an exhibition site.
English Reformed Church
The first service in this church took place in February 1607, shortly before John Smyth and Thomas Helwys arrived in Amsterdam with their group. The church provided a haven for religious refugees from England and Scotland.
The Singelkerk
Built in 1608 for the Flemish Mennonite congregation, the Singelkerk is connected to the Waterlander congregation with whom the Smyth group was in contact. In 1615, the Smyth group merged with the Waterlanders.
Jan Munter's Bakehouse
Jan Munter allowed the Smyth group to live, work, and worship in this bakehouse. The bakehouse gave its name to the street Bakkerstraat which should have been named Bakhuisstraat (Bakehousestreet).
Amsterdam Arts & Heritage
Special Walking Tours
Dr. Nina Schroeder-van 't Schip is available to offer special walking tours of Amsterdam's Mennonite heritage sites, including hidden church locations, 'hofjes,' and homes of the merchants, artists, publishers, and thinkers who shaped Mennonite identity and Dutch history.
She can also provide Mennonite history tours at select museums, including:
- The Rijksmuseum - Including Dutch artwork by many celebrated Dutch artists who were Mennonites as well as many portraits of Mennonite families.
- Allard Pierson - Where you will be able to see unique artefacts and rare books and prints from the Doopsgezinde Bibliotheek (Mennonite Historical Library).
Tours are possible for groups of up to 15 people at a time. If you are planning to be in town before or after the conference, get in touch to find out about pricing and available tour timeslots:
Amsterdam Museums
Book tickets in advance to ensure your visit
The 2025 Historic Baptist Walking Tour document was created by Kirsten T. Timmer 2025 |