A deconsecrated Amsterdam church built about 150 years ago was engulfed in flames in the early hours of New Year’s Day, prompting widespread evacuations and causing extensive damage to the cultural monument. The Vondelkerk church on fire early on New Year's Day. Damage to the tower of the Vondelkerk church in Amsterdam following the fire. This is not the first fire to hit the church: The original spire was lost in a 1904 blaze, according to Stadsherstel. – The New York Times and agencies2026 The New York Times Company

Source: The Irish Times January 01, 2026 17:28 UTC