Experts' Choice Award Oude Kerk
What the experts agree on
Amsterdam's oldest building (1306), Oude Kerk pairs Gothic grandeur—vaulted ceilings, stained glass, a historic organ—with the surreal irony of sitting amid Red Light District brothels. Tower tours reward narrow stairs.
“Guides lead intriguing tours up into the tower. They depart every half hour. Prepare for lots of narrow stairs.”
– Lonely Planet
Frommer's "The church contains a magnificent Christian Müller organ (1728) that's regularly used for recitals." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"This is Amsterdam's oldest surviving building (from 1306)." Full review
Not For Tourists "How old is this church? 740 years."
Let's Go "It remains a strikingly beautiful structure, with massive vaulted ceilings and gorgeous stained glass that betray the building’s Catholic roots." Full review
Atlas Obscura "Amsterdam's oldest church, and the center of Dutch prostitution. " Full review
The Telegraph "The tower dates from 1300, but most of the original basilica that was attached to it has long disappeared behind outgrowths of side chapels, transepts and clerestories. " Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "There's something odd about a Gothic church that's located in the Red Light District and surrounded by a brothel, but that's Amsterdam in a nutshell. " Full review
Frommer's "This late-Gothic, triple-nave church has its origin in 1250...officially was designated as a museum in 2016, hosts two annual site-specific contemporary art installations, in summer and winter." Full review
National Geographic "You’ll pay admission at historical churches Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk but not at Westerkerk, whose signature bell tower has become a symbol of the city"
The Guardian "Known as Sint-Nicolaas in the 16th century, it stands on the site of a 13th-century chel, though most of the building dates from the 14th century. Sint Nicolaas is the patron saint of..."
Kate Mosse: My journey of discovery in medieval Amsterdam
February 18, 2021
