Amsterdam · Historic church

Oude Kerk: Amsterdam's Oldest Building

A 700-year-old Gothic church in the heart of De Wallen, where Rembrandt's wife is buried and contemporary art now fills the nave. Here's its story, what to see inside and how to plan your visit.

By the AllTrips Editorial Team · October 3, 2026

Oude Kerk at a glance

Area: Oudekerksplein, De Wallen (old centre). Allow: 45–60 minutes. Entry: paid — heritage site and art venue. Best time: weekday mornings. Nearby: Our Lord in the Attic, Dam Square and the Nieuwe Kerk.

Why it is famous

The Oude Kerk — the "Old Church" — grew from a wooden chapel built around 1213 on the dyke beside the Amstel. Rebuilt in stone and expanded over three centuries, it is the oldest surviving building in Amsterdam and the church that gave the later Nieuwe Kerk its name.

Originally Catholic, it was stripped of much of its decoration during the 1578 Alteration, when Amsterdam became Protestant. What survived is remarkable: a vast wooden vault, medieval ceiling paintings and a floor made entirely of gravestones. Today the church is run as a heritage site that commissions contemporary art in dialogue with the building.

What to see and do

• The wooden vault — one of the largest medieval wooden church vaults in Europe, with surviving 15th-century paintings.
• The gravestone floor — some 2,500 graves, including Saskia van Uylenburgh, Rembrandt's wife.
• Stained-glass windows — 16th-century glass in the Mary Chapel, among the few pieces to survive the Reformation.
• The great organ — the 1724 Vater-Müller organ, still played at concerts.
• Contemporary art — rotating installations designed specifically for the space.
• The bell tower — its carillon rings across De Wallen; tower climbs are offered seasonally (check the official site).

Tickets

Tickets can be bought at the door or online. Booking ahead is not essential outside peak weekends, but it saves queuing and some combination tickets include nearby Our Lord in the Attic.

Getting there

The Oude Kerk is on Oudekerksplein, about a 7-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal station. From Dam Square it is 5 minutes east; the nearest metro stop is Nieuwmarkt.

Practical tips

• Visit in the morning, when De Wallen is quiet and the light through the windows is best.
• Check the art programme first — installations change the feel of the interior.
• Never photograph the windows of sex workers on the surrounding streets — it is forbidden.
• Combine with Our Lord in the Attic, a hidden church a few minutes' walk away.
• See every stop on our Amsterdam attractions map.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Oude Kerk the oldest building in Amsterdam?

Yes. Its oldest parts date from the early 14th century, on the site of a wooden chapel from around 1213, making it the oldest surviving building in the city.

Is the Oude Kerk free to visit?

No. The Oude Kerk charges admission because it operates as a heritage site and contemporary art venue. Some city passes include entry; check the official website for current prices.

Who is buried in the Oude Kerk?

Around 2,500 graves lie beneath its floor, including Saskia van Uylenburgh, Rembrandt's wife, who was buried here in 1642.

How long do you need at the Oude Kerk?

Allow 45 to 60 minutes for the interior, the painted wooden vault, the floor gravestones and the current art installation.

Is the Oude Kerk in the red-light district?

Yes. It stands on Oudekerksplein in De Wallen, surrounded by the historic red-light district. The church itself is a calm, family-friendly visit.

Sources

• Oude Kerk — official website
• I amsterdam — official city guide