ONS' LIEVE HEER OP SOLDER
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Superb museum/underground Catholic church in the heart of the red light district. The photogenic atmosphere is totally timeless.
Right in the heart of the red light district, this 17th-century mansion houses a remarkably well-preserved underground church in the attic. It was here that many Catholics, persecuted by Protestants, came to worship in the 17th century, aided by the owner of the premises, Jan Hartman, a wealthy city merchant. A symbol of tolerance made in NL, the atmosphere here is sublime. It's an absolute must to visit and revisit.
Further information
Opening time and information on ONS' LIEVE HEER OP SOLDER
Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday until 6 pm, Sunday and public holidays 1 pm to 6 pm. 16.50 €, otherwise 7.50 €.
Owner's Message
In the heart of Amsterdam's city center lies a small miracle: the Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder museum. Visitors discover a rare, well-preserved 17th-century canal house. Narrow corridors and staircases lead to historically decorated living rooms, kitchens and beds, culminating in the real highlight of the museum: a complete attic church.
The attic church was commissioned by wealthy Catholic merchant Jan Hartman and inaugurated in 1663. At the time Hartman and his family lived in the canal house, a Protestant town council was in power. It was forbidden to practice the Catholic faith in public places. Former Catholic churches and monasteries had been confiscated to be used for Protestant worship. Catholics had to look for alternatives and celebrate mass in hidden domestic churches. This initiative was tolerated by the city government. In the Republic of the Netherlands, the principle of freedom of conscience applied: behind the front door, everyone could think and believe what they wanted, creating a climate of tolerance that was exceptional for the time, allowing different religious population groups to live together in the city.
Practical information
The Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder Museum is easily accessible by public transport. The museum is about a five-minute walk from Central Station and Nieuwmarkt subway station. Streetcars 4, 14 and 24 stop at Dam Square, which is also a five-minute walk away. If you're coming by car, you can park in the parking lots near Nieuwendijk, De Bijenkorf (Dam) or near Central Station.
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