The Old Church (Oude Kerk) of Amsterdam

The Oude Kerk (Old Church) acquired this name after the construction of the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). **It is the oldest religious building in the city of Amsterdam, located paradoxically just a few steps from the **Red-Light District. Its origins date back to the 13th century when a small wooden church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the protector of sailors and patron saint of Amsterdam, was erected on the sandy ground of a cemetery. Reconstructed in 1306 and expanded over time with the addition of numerous chapels, the church assumed its current Late Gothic form with the latest interventions completed in the 16th century - among these, the construction of the bell tower with the wooden spire. From 1955 to 1979, the church underwent significant restoration work.

The bright and impressive interior of the three-nave basilica (the central one is beautiful with its wooden cross vault) was heavily damaged by the Calvinists who, in 1566, in protest against the laws that prohibited them from practicing their religion, destroyed statues, effigies, and works of art. The "act" of destruction was completed in 1578 when the church passed to the Protestants who erased all decorations and converted it into their meeting point. Fortunately, not everything was lost.

**The church preserves a splendid wooden ceiling with medieval decorations depicting biblical scenes, saints, and coats of arms. Also noteworthy are the vibrant 15th-century sculptures of the choir stalls that reproduce some scenes from famous moral tales, as well as some inscriptions found here and there ("Forging becomes blacksmiths", "Marry quickly; you will have time to regret it"), and other small pearls of medieval wisdom, some of which are unpronounceable like the one depicted in the photo: money is not made with...

The church's stone floor is home to the remains of notable Dutch figures (the painter Pieter Aertsz, writer Roemer Visscher, organist Jan Sweelinck, and Frans Banning Cocq, the central figure in Rembrandt's painting The Night Watch; in the north aisle, Saskia van Uylenburg, Rembrandt's first wife, is buried). The side chapel of Our Lady features stunning Renaissance stained glass windows from 1555, designed by Pieter Aertsz. Don't miss the extraordinary organ by C. Muller from 1724 made of oak, beautiful and with a magnificent sound.

Every Sunday at 11 a.m., the service is held according to the Dutch Reformed rite. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, the Oude Kerk hosts organ concerts and choral vespers and serves as a backdrop for cultural events, including the famous annual photography exhibition of World Press Photo.

**From the top of the 70-meter high octagonal bell tower **(guided tours from April to September, Thu., Fri., and Sat. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., €7), you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the city and, at the stroke of the quarter hour, the carillon system with 47 bells installed in 1658 plays pleasant melodies.

Address: Oudekerksplein How to get there: It is about an 8-minute walk from Central Station Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.; closed: January 1, April 27, October 28, and December 25 Ticket prices: adults:

Adults €8.50 Free entry for holders of the Amsterdam Card Guided tour of the tower €7.

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