Oude Kerk, Amsterdam
Exterior of the Oude Kerk. Photo © Holly Hayes. View all images in our Oude Kerk Photo Gallery.Located alongside a canal in the Red Light District, the Oude Kerk (Old Church) is the oldest monument in Amsterdam. Its large interior is quite interesting to explore, with painted ceilings, a huge organ, and amusingly carved choir stalls.
History
Construction on the Oude Kerk began in 1250 and was finally completed with the extension of the bell tower in 1566. During the Alteration of 1578, Protestant reformers confiscated the church and destroyed much of its Catholic ornamentation.
What to See
Inside, the Oude Kerk has three naves and a very spacious feel, the latter thanks to the Calvinist simplification. The vaulted wooden ceiling bears faded paintings dating from throughout the 1400s and 1500s, depicting various saints, ships, biblical scenes and coats of arms.
The floor is paved with rectangular slabs for memorials, each with its own number. Rembrandt's wife is memorialized on vault 28K, which bears the simple inscription "Saskia Juni 1642."
A further highlight of the interior is an impressive organ from 1728 by Christian Müller that is regularly used for recitals. And don't miss the inscription over the entrance to the marriage chapel, which warns: 't is haest getrout dat lange rout ("Marry in haste, repent at leisure").
One decorative remnant of the Catholic Oude Kerk that escaped Calvinist destruction is the choir with its misericords ("mercy seats" to assist singers as they stand for long periods) dating from about 1480. As in many medieval churches, these are decorated with wooden carvings depicting everyday life, humorous scenes and many illustrations of proverbs and popular sayings, such as:
The church tower can be climbed on an hourly guided tour for good views of Old Amsterdam.
The pretty almshouses that surround the Oude Kerk now contain red-fringed windows displaying the scantily clad women of the Red Light District.
Quick Facts on the Oude Kerk
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Nicolaaskerk; Oude Kerk; Oude Kerk, Amsterdam |
|---|---|
| City: | Amsterdam |
| State: | North Holland |
| Country: | Netherlands |
| cat: | Churches |
| faith: | Christianity; Catholic; Calvinist |
| feat: | Gothic Murals; Misericords |
| style: | Gothic |
| Dates: | 1250-1566 |
| Visitor and Contact Information | |
| Address: | Oudekerksplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Coordinates: | 52.374374° N, 4.898239° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Opening Hours: | Church: Mon-Sat 11am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm Tower: Jun-Sep: Wed-Sun 2-4pm; Sep-Apr: Sun-Fri 1-5pm, Sat 11-5pm Closed Jan 1, Apr 30. |
| Cost: | 4€ adults, 3.20€ seniors/students, children under 12 free; rates may vary for special exhibits. |
| Transport: | Tram: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24, or 25 to the Dam |
| Phone: | 020/625-8284 |
| Website: | www.oudekerk.nl |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
Map of the Oude Kerk
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Oude Kerk. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.
References
- Personal visits (November 2006 and August 2008).
- Official Website
- Frommer's Amsterdam
- Fodor's Amsterdam
More Information
- Oude Kerk, Amsterdam - Go Historic
- Photos of Oude Kerk - here on Sacred Destinations
Article Info
| Title: | Oude Kerk, Amsterdam |
|---|---|
| Author: | Holly Hayes |
| Last updated: | 09/07/2010 |
| Permalink: | www.sacred-destinations.com/netherlands/amsterdam-oude-kerk |
| Link code: | <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/netherlands/amsterdam-oude-kerk">Oude Kerk, Amsterdam</a> |