The Maria Kerk

The Maria Kerk is a historic church located in the village of Ruinen, which is situated in the province of Drenthe, Netherlands. The church was built in the 13th century and is dedicated to Saint Mary.

Architectural Style: The architectural style of the Maria Kerk is characterized by its Romanesque and Gothic elements.

• The church has a simple rectangular shape with a tower on the west side.
• The exterior walls are made of limestone and feature a combination of rounded arches, pointed arches, and ornate stone carvings.

Interior: Inside the church, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, the ornate wooden pulpit, and the stunning Gothic-style choir stalls.

The church also contains several historic monuments, including the grave of a Dutch nobleman from the 16th century.

1. In the 19th century, the church was extensively restored to preserve its original Romanesque features.
2. More recently, in the 1990s, the church underwent another restoration project to repair damage caused by weathering and erosion.

Today, the Maria Kerk is a popular tourist destination and an important cultural heritage site for the people of Ruinen and the surrounding region. Visitors can attend services, take guided tours, or simply admire the beauty and history of this stunning church.