Oude Kerk

Top choice in Medieval Centre & Red Light District


Dating from 1306, the Oude Kerk is Amsterdam's oldest surviving building. It's also an intriguing moral contradiction: a church surrounded by active Red Light District windows. Inside, check out the stunning Vater-Müller organ, the naughty 15th-century carvings on the choir stalls, and famous Amsterdammers’ tombstones in the floor (including Rembrandt’s wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh). Regular art exhibitions take place in the church; you can also climb the tower on a guided tour. Church admission is by credit/debit card only.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Medieval Centre & Red Light District attractions

1. Oude Kerk Tower

Guides lead intriguing tours up into the 67m-high tower of the Oude Kerk. Tours last 30 minutes and depart every half hour. Prepare for lots of narrow…

2. Belle Statue

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Bearing the inscription 'Respect sex workers all over the world', the 2007-built bronze statue of Belle stands on a granite pedestal on the square outside…

3. Trompettersteeg

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4. Prostitution Information Centre

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5. Warmoesstraat

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6. Red Light Secrets

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7. W139

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8. Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

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