Oude Kerk Religious Site
Oldest building and medieval church in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's Oude Kerk, a 13th-century parish church in the old city, draws visitors for its timber interior, historic tombs and rotating contemporary exhibitions in the surrounding square.
Oude Kerk at a Glance#
About Oude Kerk#
The Oude Kerk is Amsterdam’s oldest church, located in the city centre in the De Wallen neighbourhood. Its origins date to the medieval period and the building retains a primarily Gothic architectural character.
The church was originally a Catholic parish church and became Protestant during the Reformation; it contains historic architectural features, funerary monuments in the floor and a historic tower that anchors the surrounding urban fabric. Today it functions as a heritage site and venue for exhibitions and concerts in addition to occasional religious services.
The Oude Kerk stands in central Amsterdam, close to the city’s historic canals and within walking distance of central squares and the main canal belt.
- Age and location: Consecrated in the early 14th century and located in Amsterdam’s oldest neighbourhood, it is considered the city’s oldest building still in use.
How to Get to Oude Kerk#
If visiting Delft, the Oude Kerk is centrally located within the city and easily reached on foot from Delft Centraal station (about a 10-15 minute walk) or by local bus services.
Tips for Visiting Oude Kerk#
- Arrive early to see the interior quietly and to notice medieval graffiti and merchant tombs that many visitors miss.
- Listen for the acoustics in the nave; the uneven stone floor and timbered roofs make for surprising echoes during a short pause.
Best Time to Visit Oude Kerk#
Visit in the warmer months to combine the cathedral visit with walks through surrounding landscapes.
Weather & Climate near Oude Kerk#
Oude Kerk's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (848 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 69 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 6° | -1° | 51 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| March | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 2° | 66 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 4° - 12° | 5° | 47 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 5.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Very Good | 8° - 17° | 12° | 51 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 70 mm | overcast | 79% | 4.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 70 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 64 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Good | 11° - 18° | 14° | 88 mm | overcast | 80% | 4.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 94 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 3° | 97 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 81 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
