A LONG HISTORY, IN SHORT.

Our home is in two monumental churches that we have re-designed to meet the standards of today's travellers and involved locals. These churches each have their own history, dating back over a century. For now, we'll give you the short versions. History buffs can find longer versions on the Dutch Wikipedia, here and here.

ST. RITAKERK, AMSTERDAM

St. Rita’s Church in Amsterdam-Noord was built in the 1920s to serve a growing Catholic community. It survived storms, war (as Anne Frank described in her diary, the church was bombed by allied forces in 1943), and declining attendance before closing in 1995. After housing a library and Universal Studios offices, it became Bunk Amsterdam in 2020, transforming into a lively hotel and restaurant that keeps the spirit of community alive.

WESTERKERK, UTRECHT
Around Utrecht's Dom Tower there used to be churches to the north, the west, the east and the south. Literally! The Westerkerk was one of four Reformed Protestant churches that the city named after a cardinal direction.

The Westerkerk opened in 1893. And as late as January 2018 it was the last of these churches to hold a holy mass. When its doors reopen as BUNK Utrecht, we'll make sure its world-renowned Quellhorst-organ keeps on playing.

But instead of early Sunday morning masses we'll organize evening concerts. Soon, even night owls can fully appreciate the massive sound of this majestic instrument, which has been officially recognized as National Heritage.