The Dorpskerk

The Dorpskerk is a church located in the town of Dieren, which is part of the municipality of Rheden in the province of Gelderland, Netherlands. The current building dates back to 1866, but there was already a church on this site since the Middle Ages.

Original Church: The original church was built around 1200 and was dedicated to Saint Lawrence (Dutch: Sint-Laurenskerk). In 1558, the church was rebuilt in Gothic style, with a tower added in the 17th century. By the mid-19th century, the church had become too small for the growing community, so it was decided to build a new one.

Current Building: The current building was designed by architect Pierre Cuypers and took four years to complete. It is known for its unique architecture, which combines elements of Gothic Revival and Renaissance styles.

1. The church features a striking tower with a distinctive clock face, as well as a beautiful interior with intricate stone carvings and stained glass windows.
2. The Dorpskerk van Dieren is a neoclassicist building in the Gelderse place Dieren. The church was built in the years 1846 to 1848 on commission from Sophia Wilhelmina van Heeckeren van Kell, widow of Jacob Unico Wilhelm van Wassenaer Obdam, occupant of Hof te Dieren.

• The first stone was laid on November 24, 1846 by the commissioner, just weeks before her death on January 13, 1847. The text under the fronton above the entrance reminds of this cornerstone laying.
• The church originally had a rectangular shape, a so-called zaalkerk. Thirty years later, in 1876, an expansion with a nave in a northerly direction took place.
• The church tower consists of three storeys, built of brick. The tower is crowned by a square recess on each side where an hour clock is located. On the dome-shaped roof of the tower stands a weather vane.

Recognition: The church is recognized as a national monument and was registered in 1978 in the monuments register.