Himself got a day off work. Deciding to make the most of it, we planned on heading to a local medieval castle! Of course when the day dawn cold and wet (first day of summer, and Solstice don’cha’know) we decided that we’d get terrible photos and I couldn’t do that to all of you lovely readers. So plans changed and we ended up at the Oude Kerk and the World Press Photo Exhibition therein.
I’m not sure why is didn’t occur to me that the “World Press Photos” would be taken from “World Press”, and therefore mostly about War and Sports. But it didn’t, and they were. So as often as I was impressed with the technical aspects of the photos, and how much story they told, they were quite confronting and not often heart-warming stories.
Good thing for me I had other things to absorb myself into!
The Old Church was consecrated Roman Catholic in 1306, after the Reformation in 1578 it became a Calvinist Church, which it remains today.
It is unfortunate that during the revolt the church was pillaged and looted, and only the paintings on the ceilings (due to being out of reach) remained intact.
It was originally dedicated to St Nicholas (yes, that Saint Nick), who was the patron saint of Amsterdam, and …
… sailors.
The huge baroque organ was built between 1724 and 1726, and has 54 gold plated oak pipes.
The floor is something to behold. It’s not until you research it that you realise just how many people’s final resting places are under your feet.
And the monuments to them are entirely befitting, and stunning!
Of course, one of the most famous is Saskia van Uylenburg, Rembrandt’s wife.
Though running into financial troubles after her passing, he was unable to be buried with her, and was subsequently buried in an unmarked grave in the Westerkerk (over by Anne Frank’s House).
It is an amazing church to visit, and such a rich source to research too! I can’t believe it took me this long to get there!
ghoti industries 