The Old Church Tower in Amsterdam
Posted on: August 24, 2014
Fun to do in Amsterdam:
Go climb The Old Church Tower in the Red Light District
One of the special things that Amsterdam’s Red Light District has to offer, is the beautiful Old Church. It stands in the heart of the Red Light District and is surrounded by window brothels, bars restaurants and shops. What makes it extra special, is that this is the oldest building of Amsterdam. The Old Church was build in the 13th century. In this area of Amsterdam, bars and prostitution has always been around. So, The Old Church witnessed the Red Light District from the start and whole the way what it’s right now.
Amsterdam’s Old Church is surrounded by brothels, cafes and restaurants
Having such an amazing old church, right in the middle of Amsterdam’s Red Light District, is something you won’t find anywhere else in the world. This is where religion and prostitution are literally facing each other. So, I hear you thinking.. “That Old Church is most likely not in service any longer”. Well, actually it is!
It’s open for public, seven days in the week. And the Old Church is still being used for religious purposes.
Fun to do in the Red Light District
What lot of people don’t know is that the Old Church has two entrances which are both open for public. One for entering the Old Church and one for visiting the Old Church Tower. That’s right, The Old Church Tower! Most likely, that is something which isn’t described in your city guide… Mark this as a “to do in Amsterdam”, because visiting the Old Church Tower is freaking awesome!
The entrance of it, lies on the side of the Warmoesstraat. For 7,50 Euros you can buy yourself a ticket to enter, plus a guided tour for 30 minutes. During the tour, a local guide from the church will tell you some interesting stuff about it. Did you know that the Old Church use to had several guards on it? They were serving as a guard of Amsterdam. One of their tasks were to alert the city, when an enemy (boat) would approach Amsterdam. The guards could see them from miles away and would alarm the others.
Also, you will be seeing the enormous bells it has. The biggest bell of the Old Church weighs 3700 kilos. That’s 8157 Pounds. Or 130513 Ounces!
The Bells of The Old Church Tower
The 1st bell of The Old Church, was made by Francois Hemony.
But the main reason for visiting the Old Church Tower, is the stunning view it has to offer when you’re all the way at the top. Rewarding you a with panorama view of Amsterdam after climbing 164 steps to the top, is the best price you could imagine. Really!
9 Pictures from The Old Church Tower in Amsterdam:
Amsterdam from above: Central Station and the Sint Nicolaas Church
Amsterdam from above: A lovely view on the South-East of Amsterdam, including the Zuiderkerk.
Amsterdam from above: The Old Church, The Red Light District, and the North-East of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam from above: De Beurs van Berlage and the western part of the city in the back.
Amsterdam from above: The Old Church Square in the middle of the Red Light District.
Amsterdam from above: The view from The Old Church Tower into the city center and beyond.
Amsterdam from above: The Warmoesstraat in the Red Light District
Amsterdam from above: The Red Light District, the city center and the southern part of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam from above: An amazing view from the top of the Old Church into the East.
Would you like to visit The Old Church Tower, The Zuiderkerk or The Wester Tower?
Click here to visit their website
