About Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
In 1663, merchant Jan Hartman created a clandestine Catholic church in the attic of his Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal house — right in the heart of the Red Light District. During the Dutch Golden Age, public Catholic worship was banned, so hidden ‘schuilkerken’ (concealed churches) were built throughout Amsterdam. This one, known as Our Lord in the Attic, is the only one to survive completely intact.
Highlights
- The hidden church — a three-storey Baroque church crammed into the upper floors of a canal house
- Original 17th-century interior — altarpiece, organ, confessional, and sacristy all preserved
- Canal house rooms — the merchant’s living quarters give context to life in Golden Age Amsterdam
- Red Light District location — fascinating contrast between sacred and secular history
- Still used for services — occasional ceremonies and concerts are held here
What to Expect
The visit takes 60–90 minutes. You move through the merchant’s beautifully restored canal house before ascending steep Dutch staircases to reveal the church hidden above. The contrast between the modest exterior and the soaring interior is genuinely astonishing. Audio guides are available and highly recommended for the full story.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early — the narrow rooms get crowded on weekend afternoons
- The staircases are steep and narrow; not suitable for those with limited mobility
- Located in the heart of the Red Light District — combine with a canal cruise
- Photography is allowed throughout the museum
- Free audio guide is included with the ticket