In Amsterdam, there is no shortage of old buildings, which recall the medieval times of this city. Among its architectural treasures, we can mention Oude Kerk, which is not only its oldest church, but also its most historic building. Want to know more about her? Get ready to meet her!
The history of the Oude Kerk, which in Dutch means Old Church, began in the early 13th century. Like other buildings in Amsterdam at the time, Oude Kerk was made of wood, and it was nothing more than a small Catholic chapel.
This continued to be the case for several years, but the delicate structure of the church made some renovations necessary. Likewise, the city prohibited the use of wood in buildings, so only bricks, stone and glass could be used.
For this reason, Oude Kerk lost its original appearance, and was transformed into a much larger temple, built with more solid and resistant materials. Similarly, the changes would not be reflected in his physical appearance, but also in his own essence.
Shortly after the Calvinist Reformation, Catholicism was vetoed throughout the country, and Catholic churches had to convert to Calvinism. That was the case with Oude Kerk, which continues to be a Calvinist temple today.
Although its history is full of changes, Oude Kerk is considered one of the most representative buildings in the city.
If you like Dutch history, culture and its link to Calvinism, then Oude Kerk is one of your must-sees. Likewise, if you are a fan of Gothic architecture and do not want to miss the opportunity to see a construction that is iconic for this architectural style, do not hesitate to visit the Old Church.
From it we can highlight its imposing façade, which has seen many generations and centuries of the history of the Netherlands go by. Similarly, the interior of the Oude Kerk is more than fascinating, and well worth discovering.
One of the most remarkable curiosities inside the church is its relative simplicity. Most of the works of art, statues, paintings and other ornaments were removed, stolen or looted after the Calvinist Reformation, and to this day the decoration of the Oude Kerk has remained largely unchanged.
Despite this, the church’s high ceilings, its chandeliers, its stained glass windows and its columns make it a very special place.
The Old Church is in the old part of Amsterdam, that is, right in the center of the city. It can be reached on foot or by tram, and is close to other tourist attractions such as the Red Light District and the Nieuwe Kerk.
In addition, the Oude Kerk is open almost every day of the year, with very specific exceptions. It also has visiting hours, which are the same throughout the week except Sundays, when the most important masses are celebrated.
To enter, you have to buy a ticket, for older adults and for children under 13, access is free.
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