Nieuwerkerk

Nieuwerkerk is a ring village that dates back to the 12th century. The name comes from “Niekerc” or “Niekerke,” meaning “new parish,…

Nieuwerkerk is a ring village that dates back to the 12th century. The name comes from “Niekerc” or “Niekerke,” meaning “new parish,” referring to its separation from the parish of Ouwerkerk — which explains the names of both places. The Protestant church, originally dedicated to Saint John, dates from the 15th century and features a hexagonal tower. This tower was rebuilt in 1975 on the foundations of the one that was blown up by the Germans in 1945. After the nave burned down in 1586, the choir and the tower became physically separated. The village has 2,800 residents and is known for its excellent facilities. In addition to a bakery, there are two large supermarkets, a hardware store, greengrocer, cheese shop, florist, second-hand store, bookstore and a pharmacy. During the North Sea Flood of 1953, Nieuwerkerk was the second most severely affected village. The small village mourned 289 victims. At the cemetery on Burgemeester van Veenstraat, a memorial artwork and all the graves can be visited from sunrise to sunset.