Oude Kerk (De)

Odd perhaps, but the Oude Kerk (Old Church) really is in the centre of the red-light district. Surrounded by cobblestones on which you can slip and fall on a rainy day, the church has maintained its medieval appearance... More »

Odd perhaps, but the Oude Kerk (Old Church) really is in the centre of the red-light district. Surrounded by cobblestones on which you can slip and fall on a rainy day, the church has maintained its medieval appearance, despite being stripped of its decoration during the Reformation in the early decades of the 15th century. The story goes that in the mid-13th century a dying man regurgitated a host he had received at communion which they then attempted to burn but failed. The host was kept in another chapel, the chapel then burnt down but the host once again survived. Since then, pilgrimages have been organized to commemorate this miracle. The Stille Omgang is an annual event which still takes place today annually around March 15th. This nocturnal procession ends at the Oude Kerk. Please check the website for services and tower-visit timings.