A devastating fire completely destroyed a historic church in Amsterdam during New Year’s celebrations in the Netherlands, marking a night of cultural loss, fatal incidents, and widespread urban unrest.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of January 1 and engulfed the Vondelkerk, a landmark 19th-century building in the Dutch capital.

The Vondelkerk, built in 1872, saw its 50-meter tower collapse as flames tore through the structure. The roof suffered severe damage, though authorities said the outer walls remain standing and are not at immediate risk of collapse.

“Only the walls are intact, and there is no longer any danger of structural failure,” local officials told De Telegraaf.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Several residents told local media that fireworks may have struck the tower, igniting the blaze during a night of intense pyrotechnic activity.

As a precaution, authorities evacuated surrounding homes and cut electricity to around 90 households, allowing firefighters to battle the flames safely.

Residents and tourists gathered nearby, watching in shock as the historic church burned. “Everyone in Amsterdam knows the Vondelkerk. Seeing it in flames is overwhelming,” said one tourist. A local resident, 24-year-old Jelger, added: “I pass by here every week. It’s a beautiful church. This loss is heartbreaking.”

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema expressed deep sorrow over the destruction. “Last night, Amsterdam lost one of its most intimate monuments. Since its first stone was laid in 1872, the church was not only a place of worship but the beating heart of a neighborhood,” she said.

The Vondelkerk served as a Catholic church until 1977 and later became a concert venue and cultural space.

Controlled fire?

The fire occurred during a particularly violent New Year’s Eve across the Netherlands. The head of the national police union reported “unprecedented violence” against police officers and emergency services. In several cities, individuals hurled fireworks and Molotov cocktails at officers. 

Two people—a 17-year-old and a 38-year-old man—died in fireworks-related accidents, while three others sustained serious injuries.

As investigations continue, the destruction of the Vondelkerk has reignited debates over fireworks regulations and the protection of historic buildings during large public celebrations.