 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||
 |
|||
 |
Amsterdam Oude Kerk (The Old Church) 
The Oude Kerk (Old Church) has its foundations set on an artificial mound, thought to be the most solid ground of the settlement in this marshy province. Dating back to around 1250, the Oude Kerk is the oldest church in Amsterdam and started out as a wooden chapel; in 1306 it was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. Around 1570 it grew into a prominent stone church. With the expansion of the town, the church was too small for the population, so between 1380 and 1408, a second parish church, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) was constructed. With the construction of a second church, which became known as the New Church, during the 15th century, St. Nicholas became known as the Old Church. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, reflecting the city's growth and changing architectural styles. The development can be seen in the different materials which changed from stone to brick.  In its early years it was a seafarers church although, in addition, it housed the first municipal archive, although it has also served many purposes which included public functions such as trading as well as religious ones. In 1565, the bell tower was built, which was the last major change to the structure. With its 67 metres (220 ft), for half a century the tower was the only tall steeple in Amsterdam.  Throughout its existence the Oude Kerk has played a central role in Amsterdam's history. It was a focal point for the community, serving as a place for worship, social gatherings, and even as a covered cemetery. After the Reformation in 1578, the church became a Calvinist place of worship, which it remains today. During the Reformation, much of the church's interior decoration was destroyed, but the building itself survived. Today, the Oude Kerk is not only a place of worship but also a venue for contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events. Entrance is through the portal and ticket office into the nave.  This leads into the nave with stone columns supporting the ceiling.   Containing one of Europe’s largest wooden vaulted ceilings, the Oude Kerk wooden beams were, in the 16th century, adorned with numerous paintings depicting the saints and the coats of arms of both guilds and families. Most of its decoration was destroyed during the Reformation, at the end of the sixteenth century, when Calvinists destroyed sculptures and ornaments. Some decorations did survive, including the misericords, tombstones and faded murals on the wooden vault. Following the alteration of the church in 1578, these were painted over, and it was not until the restoration of the 1950s that the original paintings resurfaced.  The floor consists entirely of gravestones as local citizens were buried on the site within the confines of the church from the 13th century until 1865. There are 2,500 graves in the Oude Kerk, with the tombstones, covering the floor under which are buried more than 10,000 of Amsterdam’s citizens.  On display in the church is a wooden architectural model that shows the the buildings intricate design. It's displayed within the church, in order to allow visitors to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and architectural features of Oude Kerk in a smaller, more accessible format.  Around the church are a number of wall mounted memorials.     The Oude Kerk did have 33 stained glass-windows, stemming mainly from the late Middle Ages, which depicted various biblical scenes and saints. At the very top, a round window depicts the city seal of Amsterdam.  Today visitors can see the windows which display the coats of arms of Amsterdam’s mayors between 1578 and 1795. In addition there are a number of the windows glazed in plain glass which can also be seen.  The pulpit in Oude Kerk, has been a significant feature of the church since 1640, and is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture.  In 1681, the choir was closed-off with an oak screen. Above the screen is the text, “The prolonged misuse of God's church, were here undone again in the year seventy-eight”, referring to the Reformation of 1578. The Oude Kerk has four pipe organs, the old church organ built in 1658 and the cabinet organ built in 1767. The third was built by the German Christian Vater in 1724 and is regarded as one of the finest Baroque organs in Europe. The organ was dismantled whilst renovations were made to the church tower in 1738, and upon reassembling it, Casper Müller made alterations to give the organ more force. It became known as the Vater-Müller organ, to acknowledge the improvement of sound. This has been renovated several times over the centuries and is today one of the world’s best preserved historic organs. The organ is used for services and concerts, adding to the church's rich musical heritage. The fourth was constructed for the church by Organi Puccini of Pisa in 2010.   In 1681, the Oude Kerk became home to the registry of marriages. It was also used as the city archives. Today visitors are able to see a number of books that are on display.  Around the church are a number of rooms which indicate the functions carried out by the church over the centuries. The rooms house objects showcasing the church’s rich history and heritage. They provide visitors with insights into the church's past and its role in the community.  Rooms such as the mirror room with its hand painted wallpaper depicting flowers and birds dating from 1760-70. This room was used for marriages between 1565 -1811 so is also referred to as the Marriage Banns Room. 
|
 |
|
 |
|||
All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
| Site Map |