De Koffieschenkerij - Dutch Apple Pie in a Church Garden
For many visitors to Amsterdam, the heart of the city often means wandering through the Red Light District.
But we also see the many picturesque corners with their historic, crooked houses, old fountains, and small squares... and the enchanting garden of the Koffieschenkerij in front of the cozy, repurposed parish rooms of the Oude Kerk.
This oasis, where sunlight filters through the leaves of the trees and a few sparrows chirp among the flowers, is perfect for enjoying coffee and cake.
Oude Kerk lies directly on the picturesque Voorburgwal
The Oude Kerk, dating back to the 14th century, is the oldest surviving building in Amsterdam, with a history that stretches back to the Middle Ages.
Famous Dutch citizens are buried here, including Rembrandt's wife and Frans Banninck Cocq, the captain from Rembrandt's painting "The Night Watch." It's fitting that the church now serves as a museum.
Services are held alongside concerts and contemporary art exhibitions.
Few churches are so deeply entwined with urban life.
When De Koffieschenkerij opens its doors in the old parish house at 9 AM and closes them at 6 PM, the sound of the bell from 1505 accompanies the scene.
The peaceful atmosphere of this small café with its beautiful garden radiates an almost monastic calm, despite the lively neighborhood. We can’t think of a better place to take a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
