Old Church (Oude Kerk)

The Oude Kerk in Amsterdam, the “Old Church,” represents not only the oldest building in the city but also a place that encapsulates centuries of history, art, and social transformations. Located in the heart of the De Wallen district, also known as the red-light district, the Oude Kerk is a symbol of resilience and change, having weathered eras and revolutions without losing its unique charm. Founded in 1213 as a small wooden chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, the Oude Kerk was consecrated in 1306 by the Bishop of Utrecht, Guy van Avesnes. The original wooden church was quickly replaced by a stone structure, which over the centuries was expanded and beautified to meet the needs of a growing city. In 1340, the building was significantly enlarged, reflecting the expansion of Amsterdam, which at the time had between three and four thousand inhabitants. Despite the great fires that devastated the city in 1421 and 1452, the church miraculously remained intact, continuing to serve as a focal point for the community. The church’s transition to Protestant worship in 1578, during the so-called “Alteration” of Amsterdam, marked a significant turning point in its history. This event, part of the broader tensions of the Protestant Reformation, saw the church shift from Catholicism to Calvinism. During the iconoclasm of 1566, many of the Catholic furnishings and decorations were destroyed by reformers, leaving visible traces of vandalism that testify to the passions of that era. However, the paintings on the ceiling, located too high to be reached by the rioters, remained intact. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Oude Kerk is its wooden ceiling, the largest medieval wooden ceiling in Europe, made with Estonian oak boards dated 1390. This ceiling not only gives the church exceptional acoustics but also represents an element of great historical and artistic value. The church houses four pipe organs, including the famous baroque Vater-Müller organ, built in 1724 and considered one of the best baroque organs in Europe. The organ music, which still fills the church’s naves today, is a call to the musical traditions that have always accompanied its history. The church is also famous for being the burial place of many illustrious figures in Amsterdam’s history. Among the 60,000 individuals buried under the church’s more than 2,000 tombstones are personalities such as Saskia van Uylenburgh, the wife of painter Rembrandt van Rijn, composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, and navigator Jacob van Heemskerck. Each year, a special event celebrates Saskia’s life: on March 8, the dawn briefly illuminates her tomb, creating a moment of reflection and memory for visitors. Beyond its religious function, the Oude Kerk has always played a vital social role for the city. Over the centuries, it has hosted weddings, public functions, and even served as the city’s archive, with the most important documents kept in the “Iron Chapel.” Today, the church continues to be a place of cultural exchange and meeting, hosting contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, and other public events. This dialogue between the old and the new makes the Oude Kerk a dynamic place where history and contemporary art meet meaningfully. An example of this dialogue is the installation of the red stained glass in the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre, created by Italian artist Giorgio Andreotta Calò in 2018. This contemporary work reflects the church’s Catholic origins and adds a modern touch to the ancient building, inviting visitors to reflect on continuity and change. The location of the Oude Kerk, in the lively De Wallen district, adds an additional layer of interest for visitors. Surrounded by picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues, the church offers a contemplative pause in the heart of one of Amsterdam’s most bustling areas. Its proximity to other historical and cultural attractions, such as the Rembrandt House and the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, makes the Oude Kerk a must-visit for those wishing to explore the city’s rich history.