The Sint-Laurentiuskerk (St. Lawrence Church)

The church was built in the 12th century and has undergone several renovations over the centuries. Its current Gothic Revival-style architecture dates back to the mid-19th century.

The Sint-Laurentiuskerk is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and a striking tower that dominates the town's skyline. The church serves as an important cultural and spiritual center in Voerendaal, hosting regular services, concerts, and community events.

The original church dated back to the 11th century, with only the Romanesque tower remaining from this era. The current one-beam cruciform church consists of a middle ship dating back to 1840 and a transverse beam, priest's choir, and apse dating back to 1917.

The tower is un-leaded, with the baptismal chapel inside featuring a vault from the 12th century made of Namur stone.

• The church was consecrated by Pope Leo IX in 1049 and is the only church in the Netherlands consecrated by a pope.
• Leo IX traveled the world after the many devastations caused by the Normans to reconvert the population to Christianity. In August 1049, he visited Aachen, accompanied by Bishop Odo of Toul, who owned the land around Heerlen. On August 10, the day of the holy martyr St. Lawrence, the consecration took place at Odo's request.

Voerendaal was the center of faith in the region during the church's early years. It wasn't until the 12th century that Heerlen was separated from Voerendaal and the Sint-Pancratius parish was established there.

1. The original church building was constructed using Kunrader stone, a type of limestone commonly found in Limburg.
2. The current middle ship built by architect Jean Dumoulin dates back to 1840 and replaced an older church building about which little is known. It is a waterstaatskerk, built with financial support from the national government.
3. The consecration of the new church took place in 1841. In 1917, the expansion on the east side, including a transept and a new choir, was constructed, using Kunrader stone once again. The responsible architect, Jan Stuyt, designed this addition.
4. A major renovation followed in 1984, and then again in 2011. During these renovations, the church tower was reattached, the lead work was replaced, the spire with cockerel was restored, and the complete clock mechanism with lighting and lightning rods were replaced. The interior painting work was also updated, as well as the exterior stone walls of the old burial ground and the iron gate were restored.
5. In 2012, a restoration of the large church organ took place following a previous renovation in 1976.