Amsterdam’s Paradiso was built for people looking for salvation. Since 1968, it has become the city’s oldest religious meetinghouse turned rock landmark. Perfectly situated near bustling Leidseplein, the former church has has welcomed generations of musicians and music lovers.
The main hall holds 1,500 people, making it intimate for the stadium acts that either want a warm up gig or a reminder of what it was like to see all the fans straight in their eyes. Upstairs, a separate 210-capacity room gives newer artists a safe space to work out the kinks.
The building opened on May 2, 1880, as the home of De Vrije Gemeente, or the Free Congregation. The association commissioned and originally owned the property, funded with loans from wealthy supporters. Its founders, brothers Herman and Reinhard Hugenholtz, had broken with the Dutch Reformed Church in 1877 over disagreements about religious doctrine and freedom of thought.
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