De Oude Kerk, Amsterdam
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Oude Kerk - in the Public Domain
Description
De Oude Kerk (meaning "The Old Church") was built in the 13th century, making it Amsterdam's oldest recorded building. It became a Calvinist church after the 1578 Reformation and is known for having the largest medieval wooden vault in Europe, four pipe organs (including the Vater-Müller from the 18th century) and a floor consisting entirely of gravestones since it was built on a cemetery - there are 2,500 graves in the church. The Church stands in De Wallen, the center of what has become the city's main red-light district. It is operated as a centre for contemporary art and heritage, and religious services are held there on Sunday mornings.
Access & Transport
Address: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam It is possible to get there walking from many other attractions in the city centre. The closest stations are Dam (1, 2, 5, 13, 17, 4, 9, 16, 24) which has several stops east and west of the Dam Square, Nieuwmarkt (51, 53, 54) and Centraal Station (metro, train and tram lines).
Instructions & Recommendations
Parents with younger children should note the characteristics of the neighbourhood and assess whether they are comfortable heading there. Besides the red-light district which is worth taking a quick look out for most first-time tourists, other attractions / sights in the area include the Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, the Red Light Secrets - Museum of Prostitution, Body Worlds Dam Square, and the Royal Palace.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Entrance fees help preserve this historic building, part of the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
Make sure you read about what to expect and not expect inside before you head in. If the exhibition strikes your fancy then perfect, if not then you might want to stick to admiring the exterior. If the price is not an issue then you should go in and check out the wooden ceiling and pipe organs, regardless of what the exhibition is about.
Key positive
The building's exterior and the pipe organs
Key negative
Expensive for what's inside
Not your usual church interior anymore
Suitability
Suitable for all ages (subject to being comfortable with the neighbourhood). No access problem for visitors with mobility issues
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h
est. visit time:1h
Monday10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday10:00 - 18:00
Thursday10:00 - 18:00
Friday10:00 - 18:00
Saturday10:00 - 18:00
Sunday13:00 - 17:30