The Zuiderkerk was the city's first church built specifically for Protestant services. It was constructed between 1603 and 1611 and stands on the Zuiderkerkhof ("Southern Graveyard"), a square near the Sint Anthoniebreestraat. The distinctive church tower, which dominates the surrounding area, was not completed until 1614 and contains a carillon of bells built by the Hemony brothers, installed in 1656.

French Impressionist painter Claude Monet painted the church during a visit to the Netherlands. There is some confusion about the date of this painting, but it was probably one of 12 paintings made by Monet in 1874 during a visit to Amsterdam. The composition is centered on the church spire, with the Groenburgwal canal leading up to it in the foreground. It was one of Rembrandt favourite spots too.

Ace of Clubs by Speelkaartenfabriek Nederland, Amsterdam, Netherlands, around 1915.