Grote of Bartholomeüskerk

Very beautiful church both inside and out

Well I see quite a lot of churches But this one is big and very beautiful Many local elements in the church and because of time not really long viewed That I go on a next visit right knitting enormously interested in old buildings the time of then Do you think all buildings around it Once away How it was then you can think about it for days

Almost always open, very accessible

nothing to compare with

The Grote Kerk is located on the harbor in Schoonhoven. The original name is St. Bartholomew's Church. The church was probably built in the 13th or 14th century. In any case, a church dedicated to the Apostle Bartholomew was mentioned in 1354. It was originally a cross church and was converted into a hall church in 1658 and fitted with columns in the Doric style. According to a memorial stone in the church, the north cap was completely renovated in 1657 and the defects were repaired in 1658. After the Reformation in the 16th century, it became a Protestant church. The Catholics later built a new church on the Wal, which was also named after Bartholomew. That church is therefore located at Wal Wal in Schoonhoven and that church was designed by Evert Margry, one of the most important students of Pierre Cuypers. At the beginning of the 13th century, a castle was built at the mouth of the river Zevender, in the Lopikerwaard. A settlement developed around the castle, which was called Schoonhoven in 1247. This place grew quickly and a few decades later, in 1280, Schoonhoven had grown into a city. The city was further expanded in the sixteenth century. The city gates were renewed and better defensive walls were built. Beautiful, stately buildings rose at the harbor, including the town hall and the Grote Kerk (St. Bartholomew's Church). Some wars followed one after the other, but in 1577 Schoonhoven was taken by the Oranges and the Reformation also took place. The church passed to the Reformed congregation. The Tower was also built at that time. The following century internally saw major changes to the church building. The central aisle of the ship was widened by 7 Rhineland feet (over 2 meters). New pillars were placed. At that time, stained glass windows were also installed, which were replaced by iron windows in 1858 due to all kinds of defects. Restoration was not done until the 19th and 20th. The tower was the biggest problem and tilted enormously. The church was closed and restoration took place, 1927-1934. Still, from 1980-1982 had to be restored again, a lot was renovated at the time. For example, there is again much to see in the church. The doors of the Grote or Bartholomeüs Kerk aan de Haven are open every Sunday. For people who are used to going to church every week, but also for those who are not used to it. Everyone is welcome!