Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Amsterdam's oldest monument
- Largest vaulted ceiling in Western Europe
Time required: 30 minutes
Phone: +31 20 625 82 84
Web site: http://www.oudekerk.nl/
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Mon - Sat: | 11am - 5pm |
| Sunday: | 1pm - 5pm |
| Jan 1, Apr 30 and Dec 25: | Closed |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | 5 € |
| Student: | 4 € |
| Under 12: | Free |
Public transport:
- Tram Line 4: Dam stop
- Tram Line 9: Dam stop
- Tram Line 16: Dam stop
Address: Oudekerksplein, 1012 GX Amsterdam
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Jacob Johan
Things you need to know:
- Oude Kerk (Old Church) is a Protestant church and Amsterdam's oldest monument
- Originally it was built as a small stone parish church consecrated in 1306
- The building went through a number of reconstructions since, and evolved into a mighty Late-Gothic basilica by 1566
- During Reformation (1566) the Catholic ornamentation and treasures were discarded and a stark interior remained
- The building features a grandiose 18th c. organ called Vater-Müller organ named after its creator and renovator, Christian Vater and Johann Caspar Müller
- The massive wooden vaulted ceiling is touted as Western Europe's largest; its beautiful 15th c. paintings were revealed only during restoration work in 1955
- The building stands in the Red Light District; the 2007 statue in front of the church shows a hooker standing in a doorway calling for "respect for sex workers all over the world"
What to do there:
- Walk around and take a look at the painted wooden ceiling and the impressive organ
- Visit the Maria Kapel and marvel at its stained glass
- Find vault 28K with the inscription Saskia Juni 1642 where Rembrandt's wife lies
- Take a look at the fascinating Vater-Müller organ and note its magnificent oak-encased pipe work, marbled wood statues and gilded carving
- Participate in the guided tower tour
Tips & Insights:
- You can climb the church tower on a half-hourly guided tour (in English) for a great view of Old Amsterdam
