Oude Kerk
Being there
The oldest of the five main churches in the historic centre, and probably the oldest building in Amsterdam. It is right in the heart of the Red Light District. You can climb the tower from April to September on Saturday and Sunday, every half-hour. Also open in the winter by group appointment (maximum 10 people) cost €70 per hour. E-mail for more information.
The story
The Oude Kerk (English: Old Church) is a Reformed church in Amsterdam, Netherlands, being the oldest parish church in the city. The oldest structure in Amsterdam, the building was founded around 1213 and consecrated in 1306 as a Roman Catholic church by the bishop of Utrecht with Saint Nicolas as its patron saint. After the Reformation in 1578, it became a Reformed (Calvinist) church, which it remains today. It is located in De Wallen and since 2012, the church has also housed contemporary art exhibitions. The square surrounding the church is the Oudekerksplein.