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Right in the heart of Amsterdam’s most infamous neighbourhood, the Red Light District, sits a towering paradox: Oude Kerk - the Old Church. A serene Gothic sanctuary surrounded by neon windows, bachelor parties, and curious tourists. It’s one of the stops on the StoryHunt audio walk through Amsterdam - and trust us, this is not your average church tour.
This post will walk you through the layered history of the Oude Kerk, how to visit it, and what else to explore nearby. Think of it as a primer before you plug in your headphones and dive into the stories yourself.
What is the story behind Oude Kerk?
Oude Kerk (Dutch for "Old Church") isn’t just Amsterdam’s oldest building - it’s where the city’s timeline begins. Founded around 1213 and consecrated in 1306, this medieval church started as a small wooden chapel built by fishermen. Over centuries, it grew into a grand Gothic structure, reflecting the rise of Amsterdam from a muddy village to a booming trading city.
What makes the Oude Kerk fascinating isn’t just its age. It’s the stories etched into its stones: a sailor’s last prayer, a child baptized in haste, a secret tryst in a pew. For hundreds of years, the church was the city's central meeting place - weddings, funerals, town debates - it all happened here.
After the Reformation in 1578, the church became Calvinist and stripped of most of its religious imagery. But this austerity left behind a haunting beauty: towering windows, vaulted ceilings, and a quiet echo that speaks volumes. And beneath the stone floor? Over 2,500 tombs, including that of Rembrandt’s wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh.
Want to hear more about Saskia’s love story, or the secret behind the stained glass? You’ll find them on the StoryHunt audio tour of Amsterdam - it's like time travel with earbuds.
Where is the Old Church in Amsterdam?
You’ll find the Oude Kerk at Oudekerksplein 23, right in the middle of De Wallen - Amsterdam’s Red Light District. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station, and believe it or not, the church square is often calmer than the tourist-filled streets around it.
The best way to visit is on foot, and ideally with a map (or better yet, an audio guide). And while the idea of visiting a church in the middle of a neighbourhood known for adult entertainment might sound odd, this contrast is exactly what makes the Oude Kerk unforgettable.
How much is the Old Church in Amsterdam?
General admission to the Oude Kerk is around €13.50 for adults, with discounts available for students, I Amsterdam card holders, and children. Tickets include access to the entire church space, including art exhibitions and access to the tower (when open).
Opening hours are typically from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but it’s worth checking the official website or booking platform in case of special events. Pro tip: buy your ticket online to skip the line, or better yet - combine your visit with a walk on the StoryHunt Discover Amsterdam tour to really dig into the layers of this historic place.
What makes Oude Kerk unique among Amsterdam churches?
Tourists often ask: “Why visit the Oude Kerk when there are so many pretty churches in Amsterdam?” Here’s why:
- It’s the oldest building in Amsterdam - yes, older than the Royal Palace or the canal houses.
- It’s part church, part art space - contemporary exhibitions transform the ancient interior with modern installations.
- It’s an acoustic marvel - many attend just to hear concerts played on its 17th-century organ.
- It sits in the middle of contradiction - surrounded by nightlife, but filled with centuries-old silence.
In other words, it’s where Amsterdam’s soul sits - complex, layered, a bit contradictory, and deeply human.
Is it worth seeing Oude Kerk?
Without question, yes.
The Oude Kerk is more than just a quick stop or a photo op. It’s a place that reveals Amsterdam’s heart - the push and pull between sacred and profane, past and present, quiet and chaos. You’ll leave with more questions than you came with - and that’s a good thing.
While the church itself offers printed guides, signage, and exhibitions, nothing beats hearing its history unfold in your ears with the StoryHunt immersive Amsterdam walk. You'll hear whispers of old sailors, echoes of wedding bells, and the soft tread of centuries underfoot.
What else is nearby Oude Kerk?
You’re right in the heart of Old Amsterdam, and there's plenty to explore just steps away:
- De Wallen (Red Light District) - A place of layered stories and contrasting identities. Don’t just gawk - learn.
- Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder - A secret Catholic church hidden in a canal house attic, just a short walk away.
- Chinatown & Zeedijk Street - Great for food, culture, and the hidden Buddhist He Hua Temple.
- Nieuwmarkt Square - A vibrant market and nightlife spot surrounded by historical buildings.
And if you’re ready to turn every step into a story, start the StoryHunt audio walk right outside the church - where the past whispers through cobblestones.
