History of Oude Kerk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe story of Oude Kerk is almost as old as the city of Amsterdam itself. Shortly after the word Amsterdam begins to appear in the history books\u2014around 1275, as the name of a collection of residents living together near a dam on the River Amstel\u2014a church was built where Oude Kerk stands today. This church was consecrated as Saint Nicholas\u2019 in September of 1306, in honor of the patron saint of sailors. When a new church was built in the city during the first decade of the fifteenth century, Saint Nicholas\u2019 became known as the \u201cOld Church,\u201d or Oude Kerk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This facility would be expanded in 1552, when a Lady\u2019s Chapel was built, and it has been renovated many times throughout the ensuing centuries. Oude Kerk is also notable as an example of a church that was once Catholic, but in the wake of the Reformation became a Protestant place of worship. In the past decade, Oude Kerk has become recognized as a notable space for contemporary art shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Oude-Kerk-Adobe_60257091-1024x554.jpeg\")
Oude Kerk Church (14th Century) bathed in warm early sunlight, residing in the heart of the city and neighbour to Amsterdam’s red light district.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOude Kerk Highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s perhaps no bigger highlight of a visit to Oude Kerk than the chance to explore the historic building itself. This 36,000 square foot structure is an architectural marvel, one of the most important and impressive in all of Amsterdam. Oude Kerk\u2019s medieval wooden vault ceiling is considered the largest of its kind anywhere in Europe, and the church\u2019s Vater-M\u00fcller Organ (which dates to 1724) is rated among the finest Baroque-era organs in existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is believed that some 60,000 people are buried within Oude Kerk, and many tourists enjoy searching among the approximately 2,000 tombstones, monuments, and memorials for a glimpse of the tributes honoring some of Amsterdam\u2019s long-deceased citizens of note. Oude Kerk\u2019s many side rooms are also worth seeing for yourself: these striking spaces include the Lady\u2019s Chapel and its beautiful stained-glass windows, as well as a recently restored Mirror Room that is adorned in colorful wallpaper dating to the eighteenth century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past decade, Oude Kerk has reinvented itself as a go-to destination for contemporary art. Every year Oude Kerk sponsors two site-specific art installations that see cutting-edge contemporary arts create something new and innovative specifically for the interior of this historic attraction. These site-specific exhibits are temporary\u2014they change out each year\u2014so you never quite know what you\u2019ll encounter when you visit. All the same, these annual shows typically make for a moving, thought-provoking experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More to See and Do at Oude Kerk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOude Kerk today is a fascinating mix of old and new, and there\u2019s a lot to see and do in and around the attraction. Keep reading for a few more items of note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022Arguably the most famous grave found within Oude Kerk is that of Rembrandt\u2019s beloved wife of thirty years, Saskia van Uylenburgh. Visitors hoping to locate this famous memorial should look for it near the middle of the left nave\u2019s floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022Visitors to Oude Kerk in need of a pick-me-up can grab a caffeinated beverage and quick snack at De Koffieschenkerij, a charming caf\u00e9 that specializes in coffee and cakes. Operating out of what was once the church\u2019s sacristy, this cozy spot has delightful patio seating in a lovely garden courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022In addition to its permanent exhibits and annual site-specific installations, Oude Kerk also routinely sponsors live performances, concerts, lectures, and more. For details on what type of special programming might be taking place when you\u2019re planning on visiting the attraction, check out Oude Kerk\u2019s official website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022Since 2007, a prominent piece of public art has stood in front of Oude Kerk. Entitled Belle<\/em>, this bronze sculpture is the work of Dutch artist Els Rijerse. The statue\u2019s caption reads \u201cRespect Sexworkers All Over The World,\u201d and the work is dedicated to the many sexworkers plying their trade in Amsterdam and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022Located a comfortable ten-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station, Oude Kerk is found squarely in the midst of the city\u2019s legendary Red Light District. If you\u2019re interested in exploring this iconic neighborhood during your visit to Amsterdam, you\u2019ll definitely want to make a stop at Oude Kerk part of your sightseeing excursion through this famed district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Oude Kerk Should Be on Your Must-See List<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOude Kerk is the oldest building still standing in Amsterdam, and well worth visiting by anyone with an interest in the history of this wonderful city. The fascinating mixture of old and new, traditional and cutting-edge, that defines contemporary Amsterdam is in full effect here at Oude Kerk, where you can glimpse fourteenth-century architectural flourishes right alongside compelling installations created in the past year by modern-day artists. Plus, Rembrandt\u2019s wife Saskia van Uylenburgh is buried here, and the fabled artist was a frequent visitor to Oude Kerk in his day, making it a popular pilgrimage destination for fans of the acclaimed painter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dating all the way back to 1306, Oude Kerk is the oldest surviving building in Amsterdam. Visitors to Oude Kerk today can admire the church\u2019s historic architecture, peruse its many graves, memorials, and monuments, and enjoy a variety of contemporary art installations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","type_of_thing_to_do":[4662],"class_list":["post-6445","amsterdam","type-amsterdam","status-publish","hentry","type_of_thing_to_do-photo-featured-attraction"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam\/6445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/amsterdam"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6445"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam\/6445\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11320,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam\/6445\/revisions\/11320"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"type_of_thing_to_do","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type_of_thing_to_do?post=6445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Oude Kerk Highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s perhaps no bigger highlight of a visit to Oude Kerk than the chance to explore the historic building itself. This 36,000 square foot structure is an architectural marvel, one of the most important and impressive in all of Amsterdam. Oude Kerk\u2019s medieval wooden vault ceiling is considered the largest of its kind anywhere in Europe, and the church\u2019s Vater-M\u00fcller Organ (which dates to 1724) is rated among the finest Baroque-era organs in existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is believed that some 60,000 people are buried within Oude Kerk, and many tourists enjoy searching among the approximately 2,000 tombstones, monuments, and memorials for a glimpse of the tributes honoring some of Amsterdam\u2019s long-deceased citizens of note. Oude Kerk\u2019s many side rooms are also worth seeing for yourself: these striking spaces include the Lady\u2019s Chapel and its beautiful stained-glass windows, as well as a recently restored Mirror Room that is adorned in colorful wallpaper dating to the eighteenth century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past decade, Oude Kerk has reinvented itself as a go-to destination for contemporary art. Every year Oude Kerk sponsors two site-specific art installations that see cutting-edge contemporary arts create something new and innovative specifically for the interior of this historic attraction. These site-specific exhibits are temporary\u2014they change out each year\u2014so you never quite know what you\u2019ll encounter when you visit. All the same, these annual shows typically make for a moving, thought-provoking experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More to See and Do at Oude Kerk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOude Kerk today is a fascinating mix of old and new, and there\u2019s a lot to see and do in and around the attraction. Keep reading for a few more items of note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022Arguably the most famous grave found within Oude Kerk is that of Rembrandt\u2019s beloved wife of thirty years, Saskia van Uylenburgh. Visitors hoping to locate this famous memorial should look for it near the middle of the left nave\u2019s floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022Visitors to Oude Kerk in need of a pick-me-up can grab a caffeinated beverage and quick snack at De Koffieschenkerij, a charming caf\u00e9 that specializes in coffee and cakes. Operating out of what was once the church\u2019s sacristy, this cozy spot has delightful patio seating in a lovely garden courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022In addition to its permanent exhibits and annual site-specific installations, Oude Kerk also routinely sponsors live performances, concerts, lectures, and more. For details on what type of special programming might be taking place when you\u2019re planning on visiting the attraction, check out Oude Kerk\u2019s official website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022Since 2007, a prominent piece of public art has stood in front of Oude Kerk. Entitled Belle<\/em>, this bronze sculpture is the work of Dutch artist Els Rijerse. The statue\u2019s caption reads \u201cRespect Sexworkers All Over The World,\u201d and the work is dedicated to the many sexworkers plying their trade in Amsterdam and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022Located a comfortable ten-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station, Oude Kerk is found squarely in the midst of the city\u2019s legendary Red Light District. If you\u2019re interested in exploring this iconic neighborhood during your visit to Amsterdam, you\u2019ll definitely want to make a stop at Oude Kerk part of your sightseeing excursion through this famed district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Oude Kerk Should Be on Your Must-See List<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOude Kerk is the oldest building still standing in Amsterdam, and well worth visiting by anyone with an interest in the history of this wonderful city. The fascinating mixture of old and new, traditional and cutting-edge, that defines contemporary Amsterdam is in full effect here at Oude Kerk, where you can glimpse fourteenth-century architectural flourishes right alongside compelling installations created in the past year by modern-day artists. Plus, Rembrandt\u2019s wife Saskia van Uylenburgh is buried here, and the fabled artist was a frequent visitor to Oude Kerk in his day, making it a popular pilgrimage destination for fans of the acclaimed painter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dating all the way back to 1306, Oude Kerk is the oldest surviving building in Amsterdam. Visitors to Oude Kerk today can admire the church\u2019s historic architecture, peruse its many graves, memorials, and monuments, and enjoy a variety of contemporary art installations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","type_of_thing_to_do":[4662],"class_list":["post-6445","amsterdam","type-amsterdam","status-publish","hentry","type_of_thing_to_do-photo-featured-attraction"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam\/6445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/amsterdam"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6445"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam\/6445\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11320,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam\/6445\/revisions\/11320"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"type_of_thing_to_do","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type_of_thing_to_do?post=6445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Oude Kerk today is a fascinating mix of old and new, and there\u2019s a lot to see and do in and around the attraction. Keep reading for a few more items of note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022Arguably the most famous grave found within Oude Kerk is that of Rembrandt\u2019s beloved wife of thirty years, Saskia van Uylenburgh. Visitors hoping to locate this famous memorial should look for it near the middle of the left nave\u2019s floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022Visitors to Oude Kerk in need of a pick-me-up can grab a caffeinated beverage and quick snack at De Koffieschenkerij, a charming caf\u00e9 that specializes in coffee and cakes. Operating out of what was once the church\u2019s sacristy, this cozy spot has delightful patio seating in a lovely garden courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022In addition to its permanent exhibits and annual site-specific installations, Oude Kerk also routinely sponsors live performances, concerts, lectures, and more. For details on what type of special programming might be taking place when you\u2019re planning on visiting the attraction, check out Oude Kerk\u2019s official website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022Since 2007, a prominent piece of public art has stood in front of Oude Kerk. Entitled Belle<\/em>, this bronze sculpture is the work of Dutch artist Els Rijerse. The statue\u2019s caption reads \u201cRespect Sexworkers All Over The World,\u201d and the work is dedicated to the many sexworkers plying their trade in Amsterdam and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022Located a comfortable ten-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station, Oude Kerk is found squarely in the midst of the city\u2019s legendary Red Light District. If you\u2019re interested in exploring this iconic neighborhood during your visit to Amsterdam, you\u2019ll definitely want to make a stop at Oude Kerk part of your sightseeing excursion through this famed district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oude Kerk is the oldest building still standing in Amsterdam, and well worth visiting by anyone with an interest in the history of this wonderful city. The fascinating mixture of old and new, traditional and cutting-edge, that defines contemporary Amsterdam is in full effect here at Oude Kerk, where you can glimpse fourteenth-century architectural flourishes right alongside compelling installations created in the past year by modern-day artists. Plus, Rembrandt\u2019s wife Saskia van Uylenburgh is buried here, and the fabled artist was a frequent visitor to Oude Kerk in his day, making it a popular pilgrimage destination for fans of the acclaimed painter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dating all the way back to 1306, Oude Kerk is the oldest surviving building in Amsterdam. Visitors to Oude Kerk today can admire the church\u2019s historic architecture, peruse its many graves, memorials, and monuments, and enjoy a variety of contemporary art installations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","type_of_thing_to_do":[4662],"class_list":["post-6445","amsterdam","type-amsterdam","status-publish","hentry","type_of_thing_to_do-photo-featured-attraction"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam\/6445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/amsterdam"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6445"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam\/6445\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11320,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/amsterdam\/6445\/revisions\/11320"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"type_of_thing_to_do","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vacationpass.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type_of_thing_to_do?post=6445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Why Oude Kerk Should Be on Your Must-See List<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n