History of the Oude Kerk
 More than three centuries had passed before the Oude Kerk, the earliest parish church Amsterdam,
attained its present form. The church has almost as many chapels as there have been
building phases. The earliest building phase however is lost in the mist of time.
Archaeologists think that the "Amstelledammers",
founded their first church at the turn of the 13th and 14th century.
As the site they chose a "terp" (artifcial mound) on the east bank of the Amstel
which served as a cemetery.
The church was built in the form of a basilica, and the building
was 40m long. But soon the size wasn't sufficient.
Evidently neither the diocese nor the authorities had taken
into account that municipal rights had been granted to the town
in 1300 by the Count of Holland. This resulted in a dynamic
proces of economic development which tempted many merchants
and countrypeople to come to the budding town.
The church was dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seamen and
curiously enough later also of bakers.
To explore the history of the Old Church in detail, please visit:
www.oudekerk.nl.
Oude Kerk is one of Amsterdam's top ten attractions
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