The Oude Church

The Oude Kerk (meaning ‘old church’ in Dutch) is an 800 year old Gothic monument in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is the oldest parish church in Amsterdam and is renowned for its medieval architecture. The church was closed during the Reformation, but was reopened in 1814. The Oude Kerk stands in the heart of Amsterdam's famous Red-Light District, however, the inside and the exterior of the church are serene, and one can find a quiet spot to contemplate. The church boasts a beautiful 15th century cloister and a collection of art works from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as historic artifacts from the 17th and 18th centuries. The most notable of these is the gilded pilgrimage altar piece of Mary and John, created in 1537. There are guided tours available at the Old Church that provide in-depth information on its history. Other attractions in and near the Old Church include the nearby wax and figurines museum, and the Zeedijk garden.