Sint-Jozefkerk (Papegaai)
Sint-Jozefkerk (Papegaai)

**Escape from the busy Kalverstraat and enjoy the peace in this church. **

While shopping in one of the busiest streets in Amsterdam, the Kalverstraat, you will probably just walk by this place, unless you know about it. The Sint-Jozefkerk or the Papegaai (parrot), was built in 1848 and is a clandestine church. Clandestine churches are usually built in houses or other buildings that don't look like a religious house on the outside. The reason for this is that there were times where it wasn't allowed to worship in public places. Hence this church blends in with the rest of the Kalverstraat and is easy to walk pass.

But if you do know about this place, it is worth having a look inside. You will be amazed by how big the contrast is between the packed street and the peaceful church.

The church is on the Monuments List and is described as a 'three-aisled basilica with grandstand, in Willem II style.' The stucco is for decoration only and has no load-bearing function.