From Flemish, the Oude Kerk translates as an old church. It is hard to tell what was its former name, but today the temple bears this name rightfully. The first chapel on the present-day church location appeared in 1213. And the first stone building was laid in 1306.

Due to its age, Oude Kerk is considered the oldest building in Amsterdam. However, it is not its only virtue. This temple can tell many intriguing and unusual things to curious guests.

In fact, the construction was not very simple. While the 13th-century stone church stood well on the soft ground in Amsterdam, the further expansion caused concerns for the architects. To make the weak ground penetrated by numerous waterways capable of withstanding thick walls, they built an additional mound, changed the original project a little by lengthening limits to support the weight. All this helped to erect the temple in the form we see it today. The final touch, a 67 metres tall bell tower, was built only in 1565, so it stylistically differs from the fundamental building.

Oude Kerk is a church with the largest wooden vault in Europe and, as a result, unique acoustics. In the temple, there is the oldest bell in Amsterdam, cast in 1450.

In the temple, there are the largest organs in Amsterdam that still work. There are three of them. The largest and most famous is the Vater-Muller, made in the 16th century. It is considered the best organ in Europe. All organ musicians, without exception, dream of playing it. No less beautiful in sound is the carillon created in the 17th century by the Belgian master Francois Hemony. The third and smallest one has a pleasant chamber sound.

Today Oude Kerk is not just a functioning temple. It hosts concerts and international exhibitions so the ancient walls can surprise even the most worldly-wise traveller.