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Oude Kerk Review

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Oude Kerk

Address: Oudekerksplein 23, Centrum, Amsterdam
Phone: 020/625-8284
www.oudekerk.nl

Old Church

Category: Religious Sites
Location: Old City Center

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Fodor's Review:

The Oude Kerk is Amsterdam's oldest church and its location never ceases to shock first-time visitors. It's smack-dab in the middle of a carnal circus, literally surrounded by scantily clad hookers eyeing the action in the square. It began as a wooden chapel in 1306 but was built up to a hall church and then a cross basilica between 1366 and 1566 (and fully restored between 1955 and 1979). It was violently looted during the Reformation and the church was stripped of its altars and images of saints—although the revolutionaries did leave the 14th-century paintings still visible on its wooden roof, as well as the Virgin Mary stained-glass windows that had been set in place in 1550. In the 17th century it was fitted with its famed Vater-Muller organ. Don't miss the enscription on the Bridal Chamber, which translates to: "Marry in Haste, Mourn in Leisure." Sage advice, given the neighborhood. Oude Kerk is as much exhibition space as a place of worship, hosting the annual World Press Photo competition and top-notch modern-art shows. Its carillon is played every Saturday between 4 and 5.

Cost: EUR 5.00
Open: Mon.-Sat. 11-5, Sun. 1-5

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