Early this Thursday morning (Jan 1, 2026), Amsterdam's iconic Vondelkerk church in Vondelpark nearly went up in flames. The fire broke out just before 1:00 a.m. local time, sending sparks and smoke into the chilly winter air 🔥.
No one was hurt, but dozens of nearby homes were evacuated as winds carried burning debris into surrounding streets. Many residents found temporary shelter in a nearby yoga studio 🧘.
Brave firefighters and emergency crews worked through the night to douse the flames and prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent buildings. By dawn, the fire was under control, and only the tower suffered major damage.
An investigation is now underway to find out what started the fire.
Built in 1872, Vondelkerk served as a Roman Catholic church until 1977. Today, it’s a beloved event venue and home to small businesses, hosting everything from art shows to indie concerts.
Locals are breathing a sigh of relief: their historic landmark has survived another chapter, and plans are already in motion to restore the damaged tower. Stay tuned for updates on the restoration effort! 🕊️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
