Ons'Lieve Heer Op Solder is a very interesting attraction along Oudezijds Voorburgwal in Amsterdam. Here you find a nicely preserved 17th century canal house which famously served as the location of a secret 'House Church' during the turbulent reformation period.
Opening hours are 10-6pm (Mon-Sat) and 1-6pm (Sun) and entrance is €12.50 per adult. Entrance includes a good audio guide programme, providing commentary regarding the life situations for families and businesses which occupied within the various rooms and floors at various times over the centuries.
The reason most visit here is to view the attractive 'house church' which occupies two of the upper floors of the building. In spectacular fashion, this is a beautiful, preserved 'House Church' - a remarkable example how the small Catholic community managed to worship until the eventual building of nearby St. Nicholas Basilica in the late 19th century.
It is a really neat attraction that takes around one hour to visit with the audio guide. If you are interested in Amsterdam's religious history in recent centuries, make sure to also visit De Oude Kerk (pre-Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder) and St. Nicholas Basilica (post-Ons' Lieve Heer op...
Read moreReally great museum that is different from any other museum I've been to so gave it the 5 stars. Not the best most extensive museum but unique. The history was really cool although very specific to a window of time. I appreciated being able to see something so old yet so well preserved it was like traveling back in time. The exhibit got you up close to all the showings so you could see the detail that went into keeping this hidden church maintained and well...hidden. It is deceptively takes a while to complete the whole tour since it seems so small. The included audio tour really made it worth the money since there was a lot that needed explanation. From start to finish it was about an hour give or take. We were able to take as many photos as we wanted which is sometimes prohibited in other museums. I would definitely recommend this site especially if you have already done the standand Amsterdamn museums (Anne Frank, History Museum, canal tour, etc) or if you want to experience something a little different. If religion is absolutely not your thing then maybe pass on this. They dont make you pray or get baptized but if you dont have a sense of religious appreciation then this museum would be...
Read moreAn easily overlooked gem in the heart of central Amsterdam!
This museum has a modest entrance but should not be passed by. It is absolutely fascinating to get a true glimpse of what Catholic house churches were like in 16th century Amsterdam during Protestant rule.
This house church has been beautifully restored to resemble as much as possible what it would have been like back in the day. Pokey rooms mixed with larger, quite glorious lounge rooms and the church at the top of the building are all packed full of original pieces, including art, tiles, beams and religious artefacts.
For the entrance fee, you get an audio guide in your chosen language. Just beep the device against all prompt symbols and hold to your ear to hear all about the area you are in.
I strongly recommend visiting this museum as it's just so different and unique to most other museums in Amsterdam. Even if you're not into religious studies, the sheer structure and use is fascinating to learn...
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