In this article, I present the two churches in Amsterdam: Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerkand the new church!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the two kerk the capital's most famous
- Points of interest in these religious buildings
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Amsterdam's churches, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Kerk: article summary
Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk, two styles and two moods for Amsterdam's churches
In Dutch, the term Kerk simply means church. When we refer to it, in Amsterdam, in from a tourism perspectivewe suddenly think of two buildings: Oude Kerkthe old church and Nieuwe Kerkthe new church.
Let me introduce them to you, as you are sure to pass by these imposing edifices on your travels. visit Amsterdam !
Presentation of the Oude Kerk
Oude Kerk owes its name to the fact that it is the Amsterdam's oldest buildingquite simply.
It was built as early as 1300, on the ruins of a wooden chapel, then modified and renovated during the 15th and 16th centuries. In fact, its architecture blends gothic and renaissance stylesThe result is visually impressive, inside and out.
It now has a mixed function as a church, museum and art institution, and can be seen on the Oudekerksplein in the Red Light District.
Presentation of the Nieuwe Kerk
Visit new church is located on Dam square, 600 meters from the Oude Kerk, close to the famous Royal Palace.
Construction began in 1408, when the Oude Kerk was no longer large enough to accommodate all devotees of the city. It's a Gothic-style church, with architecture inspired by Amiens Cathedral in France.
In 1578When the Catholics were overthrown, the place became Calvinist, and the decoration was affected. The church was severely damaged by fire in 1645, then renovated in neo-Gothic style.
Today, it is home to modern art exhibitionsorgan recitals or (rare) royal weddings.
What can you see when you visit these churches?
Should you visit these churches? Or simply discover them from the outside? Here's what's inside, and my advice on how to get the most out of them!
Visit the Oude Kerk: must-sees
The Oude Kerk includes a permanent exhibition 700 years of history, with objects and accessories, impressive stained glass windows and famous paintings. Among them, you'll be able to admire a superb painting by by Emanuel de Wittewhose most famous paintings are on display at the Rikjsmuseum.
And don't miss the superb wooden ceiling and its engravings; nor the huge organ in the Oude Kerk.
Last but not least the graves of illustrious figures Dutch are to be found in the church, including that of naval hero Jacob van Heemskerck, the tomb of Rembrandt's wife (Saskia van Uylenburgh) and that of Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, one of the country's most famous composers.
For me, this visit is to doIt's one of the city's most iconic buildings, and full of treasures.
Visit Nieuwe Kerk: the must-sees
You'll pass the Nieuwe Kerk for sure and its exterior façade is well worth a visit. The interior is less impressive than that of the Oude Kerk, even though its roof, chandeliers and its stained-glass windows may be worth a look.
This church also features tombs of illustrious figureslike the writer Joost van den Vondel (after whom the superb Vondelpark).
It regularly hosts exhibitions (e.g. World Press Photo in 2021, exhibitions devoted to foreign cultures and countries such as Oman, Indonesia and Morocco in recent years) and concerts by a variety of artists.
Visit 2023The exhibition is dedicated to Queen Juliana.
Good to know : a visit to these two churches is included with the I Amsterdam City Card. Save money and discover these superb buildings without breaking the bank.
How do you get to these churches in Amsterdam?
To reach these two churches, here's what you need to know. On foot, they are barely 600 metres apart, or 7-minute walk.
- Address of the Oude Kerk : Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam
- Address of the Nieuwe Kerk : Dam Square, 1012 NL Amsterdam
You can use the city's public transport system, especially the Amsterdam tramwaylines 4, 9, 16, 24 and 25.
I remind you that the means of transport n°1 in the city is the bike and you can rent one for easy transportation.
Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's what you need to know before visiting churches in Amsterdam.
Rates and booking
- Oude Kerkadults - 13.50 euros / students and senior citizens - 7 euros / free for under-13s
- Nieuwe KerkAdults - 12.50 euros / free for children under 11 / exhibition admission between 8.50 euros for children and 21.50 euros for adults
The easiest and most economical way is to take advantage of it via I Amsterdam City Card. You can reserve your visit slots and benefit from free admission to both monuments.
Opening hours
- Oude Kerk: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
- Nieuwe Kerk: daily 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Useful information
If you're a church lover, you'll be pleased to know that a third church is well worth a visit to Amsterdam. Visit Westerkerkwith its Renaissance style and 85-metre tower offering a fine view over the city. Rembrandt is buried here!
It is located at the following address Prinsengracht 279, 1016 GW Amsterdamto the west of the other two.
What to see and do in the area?
Since these two churches are located in the heart of the city Amsterdam city centerIt's easy to find things to do and see in the surrounding area. Here are my suggestions!
- Browse Dam square and discover its most beautiful buildings
- Continue east to visit the Anne Franck House
- To the east, visit the Red Light District to enjoy its coffee shopdiscover amazing museums and a unique atmosphere
- Back to Central Station to leave on tour to nearby towns such as Volendam or Marken !
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
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