The Westerkerk

The Westerkerk is a beautiful church located in the heart of Enkhuizen, Netherlands. It was built in the 14th century, with construction beginning around 1370. Initially a Catholic church, it became a Protestant church after the Reformation in the 16th century. Over the centuries, the church has undergone several renovations and restorations.

The Westerkerk is a typical example of Gothic architecture in the Netherlands. Its distinctive tower stands at an impressive 81 meters (266 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest church towers in the country. The church's nave features five bays, with a striking vaulted ceiling and intricate stone carvings.

The Tower: The Westerkerk's tower is its most iconic feature. It was built around 1450 and has a unique asymmetrical design. The Tower was used as a lookout point during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century).

Stained Glass Windows: The church's stained glass windows date back to the 15th century and depict scenes from the Bible.

Carvings and Statues: The Westerkerk is adorned with beautiful carvings and statues, including a life-sized wooden figure of Jesus Christ on the high altar.

• The church was originally dedicated to Sint Gummarus van Lier. Parochianen of this church from Enkhuizen were allowed to help in Lier to carry the relics of Gummarus annually in procession.
• After the Reformation that took place in Enkhuizen in 1572, the church was silently taken over by Calvinists. There was no iconoclastic storm in Enkhuizen.

The church is listed in the 'Top 100 of the Rijksdienst voor de Monumentenzorg' from 1990. Until the 1990s of the 20th century, it was the summer church of the former Dutch Reformed Church in Enkhuizen, which later merged with the Protestant Church of the Netherlands (PKN) and the other medieval Zuider or Sint-Pancraskerk that held weekly worship.

The Westerkerk is one of the oldest churches in Enkhuizen and has been an important landmark for centuries. It is still an active place of worship today, with regular services held throughout the year.