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Oude Kerk Tickets – Book Your Tickets Online

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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Old Church Amsterdam

Highlights

Discover a medieval church steeped in Dutch history.

See around 2,000 tombstones inside, commemorating notable historical figures.

Experience a mix of classical and contemporary art showcased within the church.

Enjoy a free treasure hunt designed especially for children.

Benefit from fast-track entry for a smoother visit.

I amsterdam City Card: 100+ Museums, Sightseeing + Public Transport

Highlights

Unlock complimentary admission to major museums and cultural sites.

Enjoy an included canal cruise through Amsterdam’s historic waterways.

Benefit from unrestricted use of public buses, trams, and metro services.

Gain a full day of free bike rental to explore the city.

Access exclusive discounts and offers at various locations throughout Amsterdam.

Oude Kerk Tickets – Book Your Tickets Online

Discover the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest building and a captivating historical landmark nestled in the heart of the Red Light District. This remarkable church, founded in the 13th century, offers visitors a unique blend of medieval architecture, significant art, and cultural heritage. Explore its stunning wooden ceiling, centuries-old gravestones, and contemporary exhibitions. Secure your tickets today to experience the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of the Oude Kerk firsthand.

About Oude Kerk

Oude Kerk, known as Amsterdam’s oldest building and parish church, stands as a significant historical and cultural landmark in the heart of the city’s Red Light District. Founded around 1213 and consecrated in stone in 1306, this former Roman Catholic church transitioned to a Reformed place of worship after the Protestant Reformation in 1578. The church features a remarkable medieval wooden ceiling, extensive gravestone floor covering thousands of citizens including notable figures, and multiple pipe organs with rich musical heritage. Today, Oude Kerk uniquely blends its historic architecture with contemporary art exhibitions and hosts classical music events, making it a multifaceted destination for history enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

Key Statistics
Address: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Number of Annual Visitors: Approximately 250,000
Founded: Circa 1213 (wooden chapel), rebuilt in stone and consecrated in 1306.

Why Visit Oude Kerk?

Come and visit the Old Church located in Amsterdam. Better known as, Oude Kerk, this over 100 years old Church is a marvel of architecture and is filled with years worth of history, making it a fabulous visit for people of all interests. Have a look at a few highlights and admire the beauty of Oude Kerk.

Medieval Wooden Ceiling

Marvel at the largest medieval wooden vault in Europe, crafted from Estonian oak in 1390. This remarkable ceiling not only showcases exceptional craftsmanship but also contributes to the church’s renowned acoustics, making it an architectural and auditory treasure for visitors.

Historic Gravestone Floor

Explore the unique floor covered with approximately 2,500 gravestones beneath which around 60,000 citizens, including notable figures like Rembrandt’s wife Saskia van Uylenburgh and composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, are buried. This somber yet fascinating feature offers a direct link to Amsterdam’s rich past.

Baroque Vater-Müller Organ

Experience the impressive sound of the restored Baroque Vater-Müller organ, dating back to 1724. As one of four magnificent organs in the church, it is central to the venue’s classical organ concerts and the renowned International Organ Festival held every summer.

Rembrandt’s Historical Connection

Discover the personal history tied to one of the greatest artists of the Dutch Golden Age. Rembrandt was a frequent visitor to Oude Kerk, and his wife Saskia’s tomb lies within its walls, adding a deeply human dimension to the church’s artistic heritage.

Climb the Church Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of Amsterdam’s oldest district by ascending the Oude Kerk tower, open during the warmer months. Guided tours provide insights into the church’s history and offer a unique vantage point over the city’s historic heart.

Timings

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Last Entry

Visitors are allowed entry up to one hour before closing.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday Mornings: Arriving soon after opening hours lets you enjoy the church in a calm atmosphere, giving you plenty of time to admire its historic interiors and art installations.
Late Afternoons: The final hours of the day are usually peaceful, and the warm light filtering through the stained glass creates a beautiful setting for photographs.
Avoid Busy Hours: Weekends, especially Sunday afternoons, tend to be more crowded with tour groups. For a quieter visit, plan your trip on weekdays instead.

Address

Oude Kerk Amsterdam is located at Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands. Nestled in the heart of the city’s historic Red Light District, the church is just a short walk from Dam Square and easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport.

By Train
Oude Kerk is within walking distance from Amsterdam Central Station, which serves as the main railway hub for the city. From the station, it takes approximately 10 minutes on foot to reach the church, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by train.

By Tram and Bus
Several tram and bus lines stop near Amsterdam Central Station, providing convenient connections to the Red Light District where Oude Kerk is located. From the station, visitors can either take a short walk or use local tram services depending on their starting point.

By Car
Access by car is limited due to traffic restrictions in the Red Light District. Visitors are advised to avoid driving to the venue directly. The nearest parking garage is located at The Bijenkorf department store, a few minutes’ walk from Oude Kerk. Using public transportation or walking is recommended to avoid congestion and parking difficulties.

On Foot
Oude Kerk lies in Amsterdam’s historic city center and is easily reachable on foot from many central locations, including Dam Square and Amsterdam Central Station.

This central location offers straightforward access for international tourists using public transit or walking from nearby landmarks.

Things to Know Before Visiting Oude Kerk

Oude Kerk is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; on Sundays, it opens at 1:00 PM and closes at 5:30 PM.

The church is closed on April 27 (King’s Day) and December 25 (Christmas).

Tower tours run from April to September, Thursday to Saturday, between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM with guided tours every 30 minutes.

Visitors under 13 years of age enter for free; students and youth under 21 pay a reduced admission fee.

The venue is located in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, with nearby coffee shops and limited car access.

Walking from Amsterdam Central Station or Dam Square is recommended; car access is restricted, and parking is available at The Bijenkorf garage.

The church floor is covered with gravestones; visitors should walk carefully to avoid damage.

Please respect the historical site and ongoing exhibitions by maintaining quiet and refraining from touching artworks.

Photography is permitted, but flash and tripods may be restricted to protect the art and historical features.

Oude Kerk - Facilities and Additional Info

Oude Kerk offers visitors a unique blend of historical ambiance and contemporary cultural experiences. Within the venue, guests can explore a variety of exhibitions featuring site-specific contemporary art installations integrated into the historic church interior. The church regularly hosts classical organ concerts and the International Organ Festival during the summer months, providing a rich auditory experience paired with its remarkable medieval architecture. While there are no dedicated dining facilities inside the church, several cafés and restaurants can be found nearby in the Red Light District, offering convenient options for meals or refreshments before or after your visit. Amenities such as wheelchair access or cloakroom services are not explicitly provided, so visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Though there is no in-house souvenir shop within the Oude Kerk itself, visitors can find various stands and shops in the surrounding area offering keepsakes related to Amsterdam and its heritage. These outlets typically stock postcards, books, and art-related mementos referencing the Oude Kerk and its significant historical and cultural influence. For those looking to commemorate their visit with unique items, the nearby shopping district around Dam Square provides further souvenir options.

Oude Kerk is an active cultural hub with a calendar featuring several notable events throughout the year. Highlights include the annual International Organ Festival in summer, attracting organ enthusiasts to performances on the church’s historic and restored organs. In early spring, the church commemorates Saskia van Uylenburgh with a special tomb illumination event marking the exact moment sunlight interacts with her resting place, providing a compelling blend of history and natural phenomenon. Additionally, mid-March features celebrations related to the "Miracle of Amsterdam," a religious and historical event tied to the church’s past. Throughout the year, the venue also hosts concerts and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, ensuring a dynamic visitor experience that extends beyond the traditional church tour.

Accessibility Facilities at Oude Kerk

Oude Kerk offers tailored support for visually impaired visitors to enhance their experience within the historic church. Although the church’s medieval architecture presents challenges, descriptive audio guides are available, providing detailed narration about the church’s features, artworks, and history. Visitors can request these audio guides in advance or on arrival to ensure a comprehensive and engaging visit.

For specially abled guests, Oude Kerk facilitates barrier-reduced access wherever possible, including step-free entrances to the main church area. Assistance can be requested at the entrance to help navigate the premises comfortably. However, due to the building’s historic nature, some areas such as the tower may not be fully accessible. Visitors requiring specific accommodations are encouraged to contact the venue ahead of time to arrange personalized support.

Hearing-impaired visitors can benefit from written materials and information panels throughout the church, offering clear explanations of exhibitions and historical details. Additionally, guided tours occasionally include sign language interpretation upon prior arrangement. To access these services, visitors should inform the ticket office in advance to ensure appropriate provisions are made during their visit.

Interesting Facts About the Oude Kerk

Oude Kerk is Amsterdam’s oldest building, dating back to around 1213.

Its entire floor is covered with roughly 2,500 gravestones, beneath which about 60,000 people are buried.

The medieval wooden ceiling, made from Estonian oak, is the largest of its kind in Europe.

Rembrandt frequently visited the Oude Kerk, and his wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, is buried there.

The church houses four historic pipe organs, including a restored Baroque Vater-Müller organ from 1724.

Since 2012, Oude Kerk has hosted contemporary art exhibitions featuring site-specific installations.

Visitors can climb the church’s tower for panoramic views of Amsterdam’s oldest district.

Each year, an event marks the moment when sunlight shines directly onto Saskia van Uylenburgh’s tomb in early spring.

Originally a Roman Catholic church, Oude Kerk became Protestant in 1578 after the Reformation.

The building once served as Amsterdam’s city archive and held the city’s marriage registry.

Oude Kerk is connected to the “Miracle of Amsterdam,” an event commemorated annually in mid-March.

Oude Kerk - Highlights in Pictures

FAQs

What is the historical significance of the Oude Kerk?

Oude Kerk is Amsterdam’s oldest building, founded around 1213, with rich ties to the city’s religious and cultural history, including Rembrandt’s legacy.

Where is the Oude Kerk located in Amsterdam?

It is situated at Oudekerksplein 23, in the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

Can visitors climb the Oude Kerk tower?

Yes, the tower is accessible with guided tours from April to September on Thursdays to Saturdays.

What type of architecture does the Oude Kerk feature?

The church combines medieval Gothic elements with Catholic cathedral features like high windows and sculpted choir furnishings.

Are there any notable art exhibits inside the Oude Kerk?

Since 2012, the church includes contemporary art installations alongside historical exhibits like a small Rembrandt display.

Is the Oude Kerk still an active place of worship?

Yes, it continues as a Protestant church with services held on Sundays.

What are the opening hours of the Oude Kerk?

It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM, closed on April 27 and December 25.

Is the floor of the Oude Kerk unique?

Yes, the entire floor is covered with about 2,500 gravestones beneath which around 60,000 people are buried.

What is special about the wooden ceiling of the Oude Kerk?

It has the largest medieval wooden vault in Europe, made of Estonian oak from 1390, renowned for its acoustics.

Can the Oude Kerk be accessed easily by public transport?

Yes, it is within walking distance from Amsterdam Central Station and Dam Square.

Are pets allowed inside the Oude Kerk?

There is no mention of a specific pet policy, so pets are generally not permitted inside.

Is photography allowed inside the church?

Visitors are advised to respect the historical site; photography policies may vary, so it is best to check on-site.

Does the church host any regular events?

Yes, it hosts classical organ concerts and the International Organ Festival every summer.

What is the “Miracle of Amsterdam” associated with the Oude Kerk?

It refers to a celebrated eucharistic miracle from 1345, honored annually in mid-March.

Are guided tours available at the Oude Kerk?

Guided tower tours run seasonally, providing historical insight alongside panoramic views of Amsterdam’s oldest district.

Is the Oude Kerk considered a national monument?

Yes, it is designated as a Dutch Rijksmonument due to its cultural and historical importance.

What amenities are available at the Oude Kerk?

The venue hosts art exhibitions and concerts; however, typical visitor amenities like cafés or gift shops are not specifically mentioned.

Is there any connection between Rembrandt and the Oude Kerk?

Rembrandt frequently visited the church, and his wife Saskia van Uylenburgh is buried there.

Does the Oude Kerk have any restrictions on visitor behavior?

Visitors are expected to show respect for the historical site and current exhibitions during their visit.

This website sells official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

The images and videos on this website may contain visual elements that have been created or enhanced using AI technology. They are provided for illustrative purposes only.