Oude Kerk
The Oude Kerk (“Old Church”) is the oldest parish church in Amsterdam and one of the must sees in the city. The church is located in De Wallen, the most famous red-light district in Amsterdam.
The church covering an area of approximately 3,300 square meters (35,521 square feet) was consecrated in 1306 but it went through numerous renovations and alterations until the mid-15th century. It was built on a cemetery and its floor consist entirely of gravestones. The Oude Kerk was severely damaged during the iconoclastic riots in the 16th century which reached their height in the year of Alteratie in 1578. Only wall-paintings on the ceiling that could not reached were spared. Following the Alteratie the beggars and wanderers that used the church as shelter were expelled. The church’s interior went through renovations in the 17th and 18th century when were also added the famous Vater-Müller organ. However, the Oude Kerk continued to decay until the early 20th century when some restoration works were done which proved to be insufficient and the church was closed in 1951 because of the risk of collapsing. It was reopened to visitors in 1979 when 24-year long restoration was completed.
Today the Oude Kerk serves both for religious and cultural activities, and hosts various exhibitions such the World Press Photo. It is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.