On our first day we had a canal cruise which gave us a good idea of the architecture of Amsterdam and a bit of a feel for the layout of the city and later we visited the old church, Oude Kerk which dates back to 1306, with its countless tombstones set in the floor, its wonderful windows, a beautiful organ and some delightful carvings in the 15th century choir stalls. Enjoy the gallery and click on a photo for the explanatory caption.

The city’s oldest bell 1450

Spiral staircase

The light catching the golden rods

Beautiful stained glass window

Some of the numbered flat tombstones with a rainbow

Door on leather hinges to a side room

The side room with beautiful painted wall paper

Vater-Müller organ 1726-1742

Found in the cobbles outside the church and described in the guide book as ” a golden torso of a naked woman held by a padlocked hand.” The church is on the very edge of the red light district……

A new iris has appeared in the garden. We didn’t plant it but love its delicate colouring.