Have you ever faced the uncertainty of a right decision?
Picture this: you visit Amsterdam. Under 2 hours left. You are torn between the desire to find out which one to visit: Our Lord in the Attic is worth visiting more or the old Protestant church, Oude Kerk?
What do you do?
You visit both, of course!
The catholic church hidden in the attic of a house instantly inspired me to dedicate more time than the actual church! And I was right! Our Lord in the Attic is so worth visiting! I’m not saying that the Old Church is not! But the church within a canal house is more unexpected and offers exciting historic perspectives on Dutch lifestyle from the 17th century.
First time in the Netherlands? Check out my post on 30 things I wish I knew before visiting the Netherlands.
Travel in Amsterdam and experience many original museums, such as Our Lord in the Attic, a former Catholic church hidden within the walls of a house!
Taste the originality of the concept and get a glimpse of history from the 17th century!
Feel the strength of the Catholic church and faith in this wonderful museum! As well as the Dutch creativity to always find a way – Dutch tolerance!
The historical context
Our Lord in the Attic – story and history
The museum Our Lord in the Attic – entrance fees
The historical context
The Dutch are pragmatic people.
Back in the Middle Ages, the Netherlands was a Catholic country. But because the Catholic church was giving mixed messages, such as paying the church to repent for their sins, the Dutch started feeling fooled. At the same time, Protestantism and Calvinism emerged as fresh alternatives.
On the other hand, the Catholic church who had the supremacy, did not like the insubordinate or defiant believers.
Hence, a huge religious conflict.
The Spanish king (the Netherlands was part of the Spanish Empire back then) sent the Spanish Inquisition to the Netherlands to teach the Dutch a lesson. Of course, the Dutch did not appreciate that, and, the country rose in a huge rebellion against the crown. The leader of the Amsterdam revolution was William of Orange, a major name in Dutch history.
The end of the 16th century brings along the destruction of Catholicism by plundering the churches and statues. The Spanish-Dutch war enters on stage. At the end of the 80 years’ war, the Dutch win and bring three important changes. The state becomes a Republic, the Netherlands turns into a protestant state, and Catholicism is officially forbidden in the country.
But it does not mean that Catholics totally vanished… they existed and even did their practices, and everything went well as long as they paid higher taxes. This is the quintessence of Dutch tolerance, a core concept in the Netherlands.
Our Lord in the Attic – story and history
From the outside, nothing foretells the interior of the pretty canal house at 38, Oudezijds Voorburgwal. It is just upon visiting this clandestine church that you understand the proportions of hidden Catholicism.
During the times when Catholic faith is forbidden in public spaces, a rich merchant finds a way to bypass the system. He purchases the two neighbouring houses next to his own to recreate the Catholic spirit and offer comfort to his fellow believers.
Our Lord in the Attic is worth visiting not just for the religious part, but it also gives you the chance to peek into the lifestyle and furniture of an actual 17th century Amsterdam canal house. Of course, it is rich in narrow and steep staircases that take you from the living room to the kitchen or bedrooms through a labyrinth. You can easily feel transposed to the Dutch Golden Age with a salon lavishly decorated with marble and paintings overlooking the canal. Don’t underestimate the charming kitchen and the original painted small tiles. The bedrooms are just as impressive with their tiny beds tucked inside the walls.
The authenticity of the building is kept minutely. The church itself was repainted the original colour and displays marble pillars. The attic church could accommodate up to 150 believers. The house even includes a living space for a priest.
Got hungry? It is time to grab a snack before moving to the next objective. Check my post on the best cheap eats in Amsterdam!
The museum Our Lord in the Attic – entrance fees
You can purchase tickets here directly from the museum site.
At the time of our visit (April 2024), the price of the ticket for adult was 16.50 euros, and for children aged 5-17 it cost 7.50 euros.
If you have a Museum Card, a Rembrandt card or an Amsterdam city card, you have the option to reserve the ticket for free.
Remember that the ticket includes a great audio guide that enables you to understand the background and story of the house.
Have you been to the museum called Our Lord in the Attic before? Did you like it? I am looking forward to reading your impressions!
