Today’s adventure took us just outside Amsterdam to a place you might not have heard of: Zaandijk. You’ve probably seen the iconic windmills at Zaanse Schans, but have you ever wondered what’s on the other side of the river? That’s Zaandijk, a charming little town and today’s destination.

Our main stop was not actually a touristic destination, but I want to share something different we enjoy doing in our free time. We are friends of Stadsherstel and during this year they are opening doors of houses they have rescued and restored. Amsterdam looks the way it is because of the existence of organizations like this one.

Now, back to the adventure, we went to a building with layers of history: a former church turned into something quite unexpected. Built centuries ago, this church has seen it all: fires, restoration, and now, a total transformation.

From the outside, it still looks like the structure rebuilt in 1878, but step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a place where the past and present exist together.

The old church walls, the original floors, and even the atmosphere of the past are still there. But then, you notice something different: apartments carefully tucked inside like pieces of a life-sized Lego set. It’s history and modern life sharing the same space, each respecting the other. This change is new, from 2017.

One detail that really caught my eye? The staircases. At first, I thought they were repurposed pulpits, but they were actually designed to resemble them, a subtle tribute to the church’s past. It’s amazing how they’ve blended old and new in such an elegant way.

This visit was part of Stadsherstel’s initiative to celebrate Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, where they’re opening the doors of 75 historic buildings, including hidden gems like this one.

And if you’re wondering what @stadsherstel does, they rescue and restore the buildings that make Amsterdam as beautiful as it is. You’ve probably walked past their work without even realizing it. They’ve saved countless houses and monuments across Amsterdam and nearby cities, including this one.

Come along, take a look inside Zaandijkerkerk through these photos, and see you on our next adventure in the Netherlands!

See you soon and until the next photo session in Amsterdam.

Joanna, your Amsterdam photographer

Vacation photographer and local expert based in Amsterdam