Old Church, Amsterdam

Old Church, Amsterdam

In the city of contrasting values and a culture of tolerance, the 13thcentury Oude Kerk or Old Church stands in the heart of the Red Light District.

In the city of contrasting values and a culture of tolerance, the 13thcentury Oude Kerk or Old Church stands in the heart of the Red Light District. The oldest church in Amsterdam, the oak ceiling has paintings of patron saint St Nicholas, Virgin Mary, ships, biblical scenes and coats of arms of St George from the 15th– 16thcentury. A notable feature is the 15thcentury misericords on the pews in the choir, which have various miscellaneous wooden carvings. It has 4 pipe organs, including an 18thcentury Baroque grand organ by Christian Vater. There are approximately 10,000 people buried here, marked by tombstones. The 67 metre high tower has 4 bells (Faith, Hope, Love, and Freedom), and is open from April to September for guided tours every half hour.

Audio-guides are available on the history and architecture of the church. Expert guided tours of the premises are also available.