Oude Kerk

The Oude Kerk is the oldest surviving structure of Amsterdam, dating from the late 13th century, and built in a Dutch Gothic style. During the Beeldenstorm (iconoclasm) of 1566, the altars of the church were severely damaged and during the alteration of 1578, the church had it's statues and assorted other displays of 'wealth' removed, with the church being made into a protestant one. In the period between 1584 and 1611, the church was also used as a makeshift stock-exchange.

Unlike the Nieuwe Kerk, the Oude Kerk is still actively in use as a church, which contrasts starkly with it's location in the famous Amsterdam Red Light District.

Between it's beginnings and 1865, more than 10.000 people have found a final resting place in the church's tombs