Photo from iamsterdam.com

Photo from iamsterdam.com

The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is both the oldest church and the oldest building in Amsterdam. It dates back to about 1250 and is incongruously located in the red light district. Perhaps this is why the inscription above the bridal chamber says "Marry in haste, mourn at leisure".

About the building

The Oude Kerk has been renovated and expanded multiple times over the centuries. Its original interior was lost during the Reformation, but it has still kept its hand-painted wooden roof after all these years. Some of the stained glass windows date back to the 16th century. Rembrandt's wife Saskia is buried in the Oude Kerk.

Exhibition space

The celebrated Dutch composer Jan Sweelinck was a resident organist here in the 17th century. Today, the Oude Kerk frequently hosts exhibitions and concerts.

Opening Hours

Mo -Sa : 10:00 - 18:00 hour, Su: 13:00 - 17:30 hour; Closed on Thursday 25 December 2014; Closed on Saturday 26 April 2014; Closed on Thursday 1 January 2015.

Address: Oudekerksplein 23,1012 GX AMSTERDAM

Contact: 020 625 8284 info@oudekerk.nl

Website: www.oudekerk.nl