The Church, Ruigoord

"The Church", officially the "Sint-Gertrudiskerk" is a former Roman Catholic church now venue in the art village Ruigoord in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The village and church were planned to be demolished to make room for the surrounding industry. This plan was postponed and eventually called off after the village was successfully squatted in 1973 by a collective of artists. Since then the village is a legalized freetown and hosts all kinds of artistic events, including gigs, parties and festivals.