Now we would like to tell you a little bit more about the Amsterdam city area which is called de Wallen and where Red Light District is located. This area is famous throughout the world for its most open prostitution display. Nowhere else in the world sex services are so openly presented to the potential customers. The ladies are standing in the large windows mostly on the ground floor, which allows easier access and communication. This place is immensely popular among tourists, so try not be overwhelmed by the amount of people. 
 
De Wallen is the oldest area in Amsterdam, practically this is where the city started. From the very beginning it has been known for prostitution, mainly because of close proximity of the harbour, and therefore, sailors. Window prostitution has started in first quarter of 20th century and it soon became very popular, so the amount of windows increased, and the area slowly developed into what we see now.

History of de Wallen is not only about prostitution, but also it has a profound connection with religion. 
Up until 1578 there were a lot of Catholic monasteries and convents in de Wallen, which were later closed or moved because of so-called Amsterdam revolution. It took place when the Protestants took over the Catholics and the government was deposed. It lead to numerous changes in religious life of the city and many churches had undergone redecoration. The intense religious life that took place in de Wallen surely left a distinctive mark, so even now you see plenty beautiful churches in here.

Credits 
Image&nbsp;De Wallen by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/franklinheijnen/14106937709">R</a><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:De_Wallen.JPG">ungbachduong</a>

👣  De Wallen

On your left hand side at the beginning of the street you can see a very old black house. It is one of the two wooden buildings only left in Amsterdam. It dates back to 1550 and as you see the brick supports have been constructed on both sides in order to prevent the building from collapsing. This house is called 't Aepjen (in the monkeys) after an old bar which is on the ground floor. Take a moment to have a look inside. 
It was the first bar where instead of cash sailors could pay with various objects they brought from overseas. Legend claims that sailors often paid their bills with monkeys which were quite common souvenir back then. This is still a nice bar, even though you can not pay with monkeys anymore. 
There is a saying in Dutch "in de aap gelogeerd" which literally translates "being in the monkey" and would mean having some serious troubles. Most likely this saying originates from this very place when penniless sailors paid the debts in monkeys.

Credits 
Image Aepjen-amsterdam&nbsp;by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aepjen-amsterdam.jpg#/media/File:Aepjen-amsterdam.jpg">Paul2</a>

't Aepjen

Amsterdam is one of most popular spots when it comes to prostitution and sex tourism. Many girls come to Amsterdam because they believe the Netherlands to be the safest place for prostitution and also because prostitutes here are as respected as anyone else. 
 
Anyone from EU, above 18 and with a valid working permit could rent a room and work here. However, rent in Red Light District is not cheap at all - it is about 100 euros for a few hours. So very often ladies work in shifts sharing the same window and cabinet. 
 
There are over 1000 women working in de Wallen. Standard minimum fee is 50 euros for 15 minutes and on a busy night a prostitute could make up to 1500 euros. All girls working in the windows are self-employed, which means they themselves get to design the schedule and pricing and pay taxes. 
 
Prostitutes who work in the Netherlands are protected by the law and the union. So they have freedom to choose and can refuse any client they do not fancy. Moreover, in every room there is an emergency button, which provides extra protection for women working in sex industry.

Credits 
Image Sex theatre in Amsterdam (red light district)&nbsp;by<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sex_theater_in_Amsterdam_(red_light_district).JPG"> Leon petrosyan</a>

👣  Facts and Figures

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 1 pm to 5 pm. The museum is closed on 26th of April. 
 
You are now going along the canal that is called Oudezijds Voorburgwal. It is located in the heart of Red Light District which hosts the most interesting, beautiful and rare churches. Do not be surprised, you are just about to learn about one of them - Our Lord in the Attic Chapel or Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder. As could be understood from the title the church is situated in the attic of a quite typical Amsterdam canal house. This will be on your right hand side, the house number is 40, please do not miss it. 
 
This is second oldest museum in Amsterdam after Rijksmuseum. This Catholic chapel was founded in mid-17th century by wealthy merchant Jan Hartman. In Protestant Amsterdam of those days Catholics were forbidden to practice their services publicly, so Hartman managed to create a secret chapel in the attic of his newly bought house along with a storage and a shop on the ground floor. Then Catholics living in this area started coming to the church and it immediately became known and popular. As always, in the beginning it was a big secret, but later on the information got around. At the time though the years of revolution had passed and Amsterdam authorities were willing to overlook the Catholic chapel. Later on the house was purchased by a priest Ludovicus Reiniers who improved the access to the chapel by building a better staircase. 
So for about two hundred years Our Lord in the Attic served as a parish church for all Catholics who lived in the centre of Amsterdam. 
 
The chapel takes up the whole upper floor consisting of long narrow nave and seats for about 150 people. It is decorated in Dutch Classicist style and hosts a fairly well-known painting by Jacob de Wit - The Baptism of Christ. 
 
The rest of the house is a museum showing the typical Golden Age 17th century Dutch house. 
 
The museum and the chapel are definitely worth visiting.&nbsp;

Credits 
Image Ons'&nbsp;Lieve Heer up Solder&nbsp;by<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sex_theater_in_Amsterdam_(red_light_district).JPG"> C</a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ons%27_Lieve_Heer_op_Solder_2396.jpg#/media/File:Ons'_Lieve_Heer_op_Solder_2396.jpg">&nbsp;messier</a>

Our Lord in the Attic Chapel and Museum

The church is open to the public Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. 
 
Oude Kerk – the Old Church – is one of the oldest buildings in the city. 
The church was ordained in the beginning of the 14th century and initially it was just a wooden chapel. Over the course of the centuries it underwent numerous changes in both exterior and interior and it slowly has become what it looks like now. Please feel free to watch the video to get yourself familiarized with evolution of construction. Also take a moment in front of the church to make some photos for instance, while we are telling you about Oude Kerk. Then we are going to walk around it. 
The initial Catholic interior which included statues, painting and other lavish decorations, was severely damaged and nearly destroyed during Iconoclasm – period in 16th century when Protestants were destroying Catholic churches. So nowadays it is rather modest Protestant church. 
 
Many notable citizens of Amsterdam were buried in this church – around 10 thousand people under 2,5 thousand tombstones. Among them is Saskia van Uylenburgh wife of the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. Every year on March 9th a so called sun-breakfast takes place at Oude Kerk – that is when around 9am the sun illuminates the grave of Saskia. 
 
Nowadays the Old Church hosts various social events, such as concerts, exhibits and so on.

Credits 
Image Amsterdam Oude Kerk 2008&nbsp;by<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sex_theater_in_Amsterdam_(red_light_district).JPG">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amsterdam_Oude_Kerk_2008.jpg">Andreas Praefcke</a>

Oude Kerk

At the corner of a narrow street right next to the Old church you can find Prostitution Information Centre. The former worker of Red Light District Mariska Majoor had opened it about 20 years ago. The initial idea of opening such centre was to provide women here with various and abundant information on the subject of prostitution, which includes working conditions, pricing, how to behave, what to do, legal aspects and so on. However, over the years, the centre has become much more than that. Now Mariska gives weekly tours around Red Light District, she also opened a small museum which shows a "historical brothel room". Moreover, she manages the workshops creating the "behind-the-window" experience. Mariska could teach you how to sit and how to behave in order to get client's attention. It is a lot of fun and provides one with real experience of sitting behind the window, which is truly unique. You can see the photos of the small museum and Mariska herself in our menu.

Credits 
Image Prostitution Info Centre&nbsp;by<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sex_theater_in_Amsterdam_(red_light_district).JPG">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amsterdam_Oude_Kerk_2008.jpg">j</a><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prostitution_Info_Centre.jpg">triefen</a>

Prostitution Information Centre

Here you can see a statue of prostitute standing in the window. This small monument was placed here by Mariska Majoor the founder of the Prostitution Centre that we just passed in 2007 in honour of the women working in sex industry in Amsterdam and all over the world. Interestingly enough, the statue was made after Mariska herself who was posing for the sculptor. Mariska hopes that this statue will be standing here forever. Continue your way around the church.

Credits 
Image Amsterdam Els Rjerse Belle (2007)&nbsp;by <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amsterdam_Els_Rijerse_Belle_(2007).jpg">FaceMePLS</a>

Belle

On your way try not to miss a small bronze relief embedded into the pavement nearby the church wall. It depicts a hand caressing a breast and evidently stands for the women working in Red Light District. It is quite peculiar that no one knows who the sculptor is, since the relief was once just left here at night. Once a year the sculptor takes it back for maintenance and cleaning and then places right back. 
Over the course of last 15 years the same unknown artist has left a certain number of works around the city of Amsterdam. 
 
This relief is one of the landmarks that define Red Light District. 
 
The relief is located right next the entrance to Oude Kerk. Keep on walking around the church until you reach the canal in front of you. Then please turn right onto the canal and continue the tour.

Credits 
Image Bronze relief Oudekerksplein Amsterdam&nbsp;by <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amsterdam_Els_Rijerse_Belle_(2007).jpg">S</a><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bronze_relief_Oudekerksplein_Amsterdam.jpg">tacey B</a>

Bronze Relief

Now to your right you will see two very narrow streets - Trompettersteeg and Dollebegijnensteeg. The first one is the narrowest street in Amsterdam, it is so narrow, you might easily mistake for a bar entrance. However, this is where the most fine and beautiful Amsterdam prostitutes are hiding. The intimate atmosphere of the place allows ladies to negotiate easier with the potential clients avoiding touristy crowd of the main arteries. It is also a matter of status to be working here. So since the rooms here are very difficult to find, some girls work "rotating" - which means they would take up any opening that comes along - in case of someone's sickness or any other matter. So from day to day they might be working in different rooms. Mostly white women work here. 
 
If you are taking this tour during the day, then most of the windows will be closed in these two streets. Anyways, if you would like, you could take a short detour to have a look yourself. Just please make sure to come back to the same spot. The tour will continue on from here down the canal.

Credits 
Image 2021 Trompettersteeg, Asd&nbsp;by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2021_Trompettersteeg,_Asd_(1).jpg#/media/File:2021_Trompettersteeg,_Asd_(1).jpg">Ceescamel</a>

The narrowest street in Amsterdam

They say prostitution is one of the oldest professions in the world. Here in Amsterdam it also goes back for centuries. All in all, prostitution development in Netherlands was quite similar to its development in other European countries, yet the outcome is dramatically different. 
 
During the Middle Ages the attitude towards prostitution was dual - on the one hand, it was considered necessary, in order to protect chaste women of the community; on the other hand, it was referred to as completely dishonest profession for women with no honor. 
 
In the 16th century views on prostitution became much more strict because of Protestant influence. Later on, however, the moralities had loosened up, and despite the official prohibitions, prostitution was prospering in Amsterdam. Initially brothels were very common, but they soon developed into gambling houses and musico's. These offered more luxurious and exuberant establishment where clients could amuse themselves talking and dancing with the ladies. 
 
Beginning of 19th century brought more stringent public morals and Napoleon. Napoleon implemented prostitution regulation system in France and also in the occupied countries. So here in the Netherlands prostitutes had to be registered by the police and had weekly health checks. However, once Napoleon was gone so were these regulations. 
 
After that, throughout 19th century, prostitution was seen as slavery, exploitation of women and undermining female rights. Various societies believed that ladies are to be saved from working as prostitutes. Some women working in this industry did not want to be saved though. This discussion had been going on for some time and by 20th century prostitution regulation practically disappeared. 
 
Over the course of last century the prostitution was becoming more and more official and in the year 2000 a ban for brothels was revoked and prostitution became officially completely legal.

Credits 
Image Joachim Beuckelaer - Brothel- Walters 371784&nbsp;by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2021_Trompettersteeg,_Asd_(1).jpg#/media/File:2021_Trompettersteeg,_Asd_(1).jpg">J</a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joachim_Beuckelaer_-_Brothel_-_Walters_371784.jpg#/media/File:Joachim_Beuckelaer_-_Brothel_-_Walters_371784.jpg">oachim Beuckelaer</a>

👣  Prostitution History in Amsterdam

While you are standing at the bridge looking around, we will give you an insight into contemporary issues that are important for Red Light District. 
 
The relatively recent legalization of prostitution eliminated some problems, but at the same time created new ones. It led to a dramatic increase in human trafficking, pimping, violence, drug abuse and money laundry in this sector. Therefore, in 2006-2007 the city initiative was to close about half of all windows in the area. Job Cohen (then mayor of Amsterdam) explained that even though he was very much for Red Light District, it is too difficult to control and so it has to be reduced. Government then bought about 20 buildings in the area in order to create a different establishment, such as new cafes and bars, designer shops and upscale living premises. 
 
Such actions on the authorities' part were taken really badly by the community. It resulted in numerous demonstrations proclaiming the integrity of Red Light District. Prostitutes themselves were also very much concerned, for they would have to leave Red Light District and go work in the streets. This would be much less safe and more difficult to control and cause the problems government tried to avoid. 
 
At the end, the amount of windows was reduced but not as much as initially was planned. So now tourists and locals can still enjoy Red Light District in its entirety.

Credits 
Image Slave Trade&nbsp;by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicasaurusrex/3051273567">Nina Jean</a>

👣  Contemporary Issues

Now Waalse Church is open to public, holds regular Sunday services and also hosts various concerts. In our menu you can find some photos of the interior of the church. Take a moment in front of the church to listen to its history. 
 
Waalse Kerk or Walloon Church is an old French Catholic church that was ordained here, in Amsterdam in the beginning of 15th century. Later on, during the Reformation period it was turned into a Protestant one. It continued to be a rather small parish church until the end of 17th century when the large amounts of French Protestants – Huguenots – got expelled from France and took their refuge in Amsterdam. They lived nearby in an area now called Jordaan (from "jardin" - garden in French), so Waalse Kerk grew and flourished upon their arrival. 
 
There is a peculiar and rather dramatic story that took place in this church. In 1775 French baker’s servant nearly shot a minister. The servant was in love with the daughter of a local wealthy merchant who was strongly advised against this wedding by the minister. So the guy, outraged as he was, bursted into the church during the mass and fired a bullet at the minister. The latter did not get killed, but he fell on the ground and got severely injured. After the recovery he made sure to get the unfortunate lover imprisoned. 
 
Another important historical fact about this Waalse Kerk is that Vincent Van Gogh himself attended the services in this church in 1870.

Credits 
Image Waalse Kerk, Amsterdam 2098&nbsp;by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicasaurusrex/3051273567">C</a><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62086613">&nbsp;messier</a>

Waalse Kerk

While you are walking along the canal we would like to give you some more insight into the life of Red Light District. The city as vibrant and lively as Amsterdam is never static, it keeps changing. And Red Light District being a part of it is also changing. A few years ago a then mayor of Amsterdam Job Cohen suggested that this area should host fashion designers as well as prostitutes. Therefore, some windows were closed and given to young, adventurous and fashion forward designers. 
 
As you walk along Oudezijds Acherburgwal you will see small fashion shops right next to the windows with girls. Designers are positive that such close vicinity benefits both parties and adds to the image of the city as a whole. Moreover, historically this area was also inhabited by weavers and tailors, so this close neighboring would not be foreign. 
 
Amsterdam indeed is the city with an edge where new style fashion adjoins the old style prostitution windows as mannequins stand side by side with prostitutes. Please continue your walk along the canal.

Credits 
Image Amstredam, Red Light District&nbsp;by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/3059349393/4957389547">F</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/6NCrsh">romTheNorth</a>

👣  Fashion and Prostitution

On the left hand side of the canal you can see one of Amsterdam Sex Theatres and indisputably the most famous one - Casa Rosso. You could also cross the bridge and come closer to see the program of the night and the posters. Watch out for little pink elephants on the sides on canopy - they might pee on you! 
Sex Theatre does not provide the guests with prostitution services, instead there are actors performing on stage. Basically, acting comes down to people having sex on stage, guests are always asked to participate to the extend they are comfortable with. 
Sex theatres and prostitutes supplement each other very well - those who do not dare to visit prostitutes, go to the theatre; and those who get excited at the theatre - go to prostitutes.

Credits 
Image Theatre&nbsp;Casa Rosso&nbsp;by <a href="https://flic.kr/p/kGGiM">Shadowgate</a>

Sex Theatre

This is a special area of Red Light District. Streets to your right are called Bloedstraat, Monnikenstraat, - The Blood of Christ Street and Monk's Street. In Medieval times most of Amsterdam monasteries (that was over 30) were located in what's now Red Light District. So the names of the streets preserved from the old times, even though the surroundings have changed. 
 
One of the small streets that is parallel to the canal couple years ago was referred to as Blue Jeans Alley. The story behind it is rather curious. So once there was a girl working here who, tired of the standard bikini or lingerie, decided to go for blue jean shorts. The girl become very popular, and in no time half of the ladies on these streets were wearing the same kind of outfit. Here is a little bit of successful marketing in the world of prostitution. 
 
In these streets a lot of Asian girls work ,but also corner of Oudezijds Acherburgwal and Bloedstraat is considered transsexual corner.

Credits 
Image Prostitute in doorway, Amsterdam&nbsp;by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prostitute_in_doorway,_Amsterdam.jpg#/media/File:Prostitute_in_doorway,_Amsterdam.jpg">Thijs Paanakker</a>

👣  Of Monks and Men

We are now going to finish our tour at yet another square in Amsterdam - Nieuwmarkt - the new market. This square is not in de Wallen, but in Chinatown, so you can see a lot of oriental restaurants in here. 
 
At the very end of our tour we offer you to watch a short trailer of a documentary about two most famous prostitutes of Red Light District 70-year-old twin sisters Louise and Martine Fokkens. They tell their life stories and also comment on the current situation in Red Light District. They are truly honest and humorous ladies, we hope you will enjoy this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEan54w4Lp8">video</a>. 
 
Now you have visited de Wallen and seen what it has to offer. De Wallen does not restrain itself to being just the prostitution centre, but it surely is the most vivid and attractive place for visitors.

Credits 
Image 17-276 De Waag on the Nieuwmarkt, Amsterdam&nbsp;by<a href="https://flic.kr/p/Wdj6J7"> Clive G'</a>

Nieuwmarkt

This tour will take you around Red Light District of Amsterdam. This area does not need an introduction, however, we want to show you that there is much more to it than it seems. Red Light District does not only host prostitutes, but also the most beautiful and unique churches. History of prostitution here goes back a few centuries and its development has been closely intertwined with the development of the city and the whole country. With this tour we want to give an insight as well as prospective. 
 
We will guide you through Red Light District and provide you with some historical background, modern jokes and local legends to create the most exceptional experience possible.

Credits 
Audio tour&nbsp;developed by „Amsterdam - the story in Scarlet“ and powered by IZI.Travel 
Image&nbsp;P2570657 by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/franklinheijnen/14106937709">Franklin Heijnen</a>

Amsterdam

Gems of the Red Light District

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