"Oude Kerk/old church - oldest building" Old Church - Oude Kerk Tip by simonli625

The oude kerk or the old church is one the oldest building in Amsterdam. It was built on the site of a wooden church from the 12th century. The church was Consecrated by the bishop of Utrecht in 1306 and was originally called Sint-Nikolaaskerk. St. Nicholas was the patron saint of the city.

The church is magnificant inside and outside. It is located right at the beginning of the red light district. Once you get inside, you will noticed the unusal wooden roof. It is the largest medieval wooden vault in Europe.

The floor inside the church is actually gravestones. Rembrandt's wife Saskia was buried here. Over 10,000 citizens of Amsterdam was buried here until 1865.

The church was Catholic before the Alteratie in 1578. After the reformation, Amsterdam became a protestant city and the church was modified to fit into the protestant style. When the new townhall in the dam square completed and the Nieuw Kerk gradually took over its status.

The church is a now a popular venue for special exhibits and concerts.
You also have to check out the wood carving by the chorus bench. They are craved to depict proverbs at that time. You can take a map from the entrance and it will explain what each craving means. They are quite interesting.

Address: Oudekerksplein 23
Directions: Near Central station, right at the begining of Red Light District.
Phone: +31-20-6258284
Website: http://www.oudekerk.nl