Discover the fascinating & rich history of the country of Holland, also known as The Netherlands.

The Old Church (Oude Kerk), Amsterdam
The Oude Kerk, Amsterdam
The Old Church (Oude Kerk) in Amsterdam.

 







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The Old Church (Oude Kerk), Amsterdam

   
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Amsterdam has many churches belonging to various branches. Few of them can lay any claim to great architectural beauty. The Lutheran, and a new Roman Catholic church, situated on Prins Hendrik Kade, have fine domes. The most conspicuous spire belongs to the historic building, dating from about 1300.

This building is known as the Old Church (Oude Kerk), and is well situated on a canal possessing the name of Oude Zijds Voorburgwal. It is a Gothic building. The roof is barrel-vaulted, and supported by forty-two pillars. It contains some fine stained glass, one window displaying the arms of the burgomasters from 1578 to 1767.

The church floor contains the tombstones of hundreds of Amsterdam citizens, the church was built on a cemetery. Among them are several of the great admirals, Van Heemskerk and others, Rembrandt's wife Saskia van Uylenburg, Dutch composer and organist Jan Pieterszoon Sweelink, co-founder of New Amsterdam (New York) Kiliaen van Rensselaer, and of the poetess Lucretia van Winter.

In March Catholics arrive at the Oude Kerk to commemmorate the "Miracle of Amsterdam" that occurred on the 12th of March 1345. a miracle that was officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. It involved a dying man, after receiving the Holy Sacrament and last rites, vomited the Host. The Host was put in the fire, but did not burn.

Holland, country & city | Holland History | Amsterdam History