Oude Kerk
Amsterdam’s Oldest Church
Originally called the church of Saint Nicholas, the oldest church in Amsterdam is now called Oude Kerk. The name simply means, “Old Church.” Considered by some to be the oldest original building in Amsterdam, this historic church dates back to 1300. Standing in the Red Light District of Amsterdam, the Gothic architecture has graced the cityscape through many religious and political changes through the years.
In 1408, a new branch of the church was added and is referred to as the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). While there was some fire damage to the Nieuwe Kerk and various renovations have been performed on Oude Kerk, the church has been an enduring piece of Netherlands history and continues to play an important role in Amsterdam’s modern culture. From Protestant and Catholic services to art exhibitions and gala balls, the Oude Kerk now houses many major social and cultural events for Amsterdam. It’s no wonder that the church has been one of the city’s main attractions for over 700 years.
ArchitectureCovering over 3,500 square meters, the Oude Kerk is a marvel of Gothic architecture and Amsterdam history. The floor of the Oude Kerk is made from gravestones – because the church was constructed directly on top of a gravesite. In fact, between 1300 and 1865, 10,000 Amsterdam citizens and important Dutch figures were added to that gravesite when they were buried within the walls of the church. From floor to ceiling, the architecture of this church is amazing! The roof of the church is the largest wooden barrel vaulted roof of all the churches in Europe and is a true marvel of period architecture.
Sweet musicThere are three pipe organs in the Oude Kerk that all date back to before 1800. They’ve been filling the Red Light District with music ever since. The third organ to be added has been acknowledged by several church commissioners to be absolutely “perfect” and so is considered by many organ enthusiasts to be the finest pipe organ in Europe. Famed organist Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck spent his life playing and composing on the three Oude Kirk organs and has long been deemed the most famous Dutch composer ever.
The Rembrandt connectionFamed Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn is perhaps the most famed Amsterdam citizen of all time. He regularly attended the Oude Kerk. Rembrandt’s children were christened in the old church, and it’s the only remaining building that Rembrandt frequented.
Oude Kerk
Amsterdam’s Oldest Church
Originally called the church of Saint Nicholas, the oldest church in Amsterdam is now called Oude Kerk. The name simply means, “Old Church.” Considered by some to be the oldest original building in Amsterdam, this historic church dates back to 1300. Standing in the Red Light District of Amsterdam, the Gothic architecture has graced the cityscape through many religious and political changes through the years.
In 1408, a new branch of the church was added and is referred to as the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). While there was some fire damage to the Nieuwe Kerk and various renovations have been performed on Oude Kerk, the church has been an enduring piece of Netherlands history and continues to play an important role in Amsterdam’s modern culture. From Protestant and Catholic services to art exhibitions and gala balls, the Oude Kerk now houses many major social and cultural events for Amsterdam. It’s no wonder that the church has been one of the city’s main attractions for over 700 years.
ArchitectureCovering over 3,500 square meters, the Oude Kerk is a marvel of Gothic architecture and Amsterdam history. The floor of the Oude Kerk is made from gravestones – because the church was constructed directly on top of a gravesite. In fact, between 1300 and 1865, 10,000 Amsterdam citizens and important Dutch figures were added to that gravesite when they were buried within the walls of the church. From floor to ceiling, the architecture of this church is amazing! The roof of the church is the largest wooden barrel vaulted roof of all the churches in Europe and is a true marvel of period architecture.
Sweet musicThere are three pipe organs in the Oude Kerk that all date back to before 1800. They’ve been filling the Red Light District with music ever since. The third organ to be added has been acknowledged by several church commissioners to be absolutely “perfect” and so is considered by many organ enthusiasts to be the finest pipe organ in Europe. Famed organist Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck spent his life playing and composing on the three Oude Kirk organs and has long been deemed the most famous Dutch composer ever.
The Rembrandt connectionFamed Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn is perhaps the most famed Amsterdam citizen of all time. He regularly attended the Oude Kerk. Rembrandt’s children were christened in the old church, and it’s the only remaining building that Rembrandt frequented.
