Oude Kerk, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Oude Kerk (Old Church) is a Protestant church located alongside a canal in the Red Light District in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Oude Kerk is the oldest church in Amsterdam. It was consecrated by Guy of Avennes, bishop of Utrecht in 1306 although the construction works probably began about 1250. The church went through numerous alterations over the next centuries. The present Gothic style dates from the 14th century, while Gothic-Renaissance spire was built in 1565. Oude Kerk was confiscated by the Protestant reformers 1578 when Amsterdam officially became a Protestant city and much of its Catholic decoration has been destroyed.
The main highlights of the interior of are the late Gothic wall paintings, stained glass windows from the 1550's, pulpit from 1643, choirscreen from 1681, large organ from 1724-1726, five tombs of 17th century Dutch sea heroes and toms of other outstanding figures like the composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, the historian Isaac Commelin, the architect Justus Vingboons, painter and inventor Jan van der Heyden, Rembrandt’s first wife Saskia and many others.
