Museum Our Lord in the Attic – Clandestine Church
Yes, you read it correctly, there is a hidden church in the city centre of Amsterdam. It’s inside a house, in the attic. But, why is the church hidden? In the 17th century, the worship services were banned but, after a government reform, non-protestant people were allowed to meet privately to pray together. For that reason, Jan Hartman built this Catholic church by merging the three attics of his property. The house has a history with many interesting details that you can listen to, using the free audio-guide available at the entrance. Therefore, there are many reasons to visit it apart from the religious interest.
The Museum is formed by two buildings. The main entrance is a modern building with a shop, a cafeteria and a small exhibition. This building is connected to the other through an underground passage. When you cross the passage you feel like you are in the 17th century. During the visit to the original house and church, you will see several rooms, paintings, a kitchen, the church and its confessional among others places.
A curious fact: the Catholic mass continues to be celebrated in the church! but it is only in Dutch.
If you want to know more about the church (history, prices, location), have a look at the official site: Museum Ons’Lieve Heer Op Solder.
Tips for your visit
– How much time do you need for the visit? If you follow the audio guide you need around 1 hour and a half.
– At the end of the audio guide, they suggest going to the second floor of the modern building to see the church from a big window. So, keep in mind the sunset time to go there because if the sun is gone you’ll not see anything. Maybe is better if you go there first of all.
– The building of the original house is not accessible for wheelchair users or people with walking difficulties (many stairs, steps, and narrow passages), but you can do a virtual tour: Accessibility – CoVisit.
➽ More activities in the Netherlands on Extra Netherlands.
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