The Grote Kerk (Great Church)

The Grote Kerk is a beautiful Gothic church located in the heart of Enschede, Netherlands. The church was built in the 14th century as a parish church for the town of Enschede. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations and expansions, with significant contributions from Dutch architects such as Willem van der Vecht and Pieter Post.

The church is characterized by its striking Gothic architecture, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and a tall, narrow tower. The exterior walls are made of sandstone, while the interior features beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate carvings, and ornate stone decorations. The nave is divided into three aisles by rows of slender columns, creating a sense of openness and light.

The Grote Kerk has played an important role in Enschede's history as a place of worship, social gathering, and cultural events. It has been the site of numerous weddings, baptisms, and burials over the centuries, earning it the nickname "the heart of Enschede." Today, the church remains an iconic landmark and a symbol of the city's rich heritage.

The Grote Kerk is home to several notable artworks, including a beautiful wooden pulpit dating back to 1615 and a stunning stained-glass window designed by artist Willem Drost in 1663. The original church dates from the Middle Ages, but underwent significant changes in the 19th century.

• The north wall, the oldest part of the building, dates from around 1200 and is constructed from Bentheimer sandstone, like all walls and floors.
• The bottom four sections of the tower date from the 13th century.
• In 1480, the church was expanded in a southern and eastern direction, resulting in a two-chambered hall church with two choirs, each with a three-sided closing.

1. In 1842, the church was converted into a concert hall by demolishing the column row between the two chambers and combining the two choirs. The two former chamber roofs were then replaced by a high pitched roof that covered the entire church.
2. After the city fire in 1862, the building was restored and the pointed arch windows were replaced with round-arched windows.
3. New stained-glass windows made by Herman Veldhuis were installed.
4. In 2007, a restoration took place.
5. The church building has been part of (since 2009) the Stadsschouwburg Enschede since March 1995, where part of the concert program is now performed. The church remains a wedding location and is also used for various events in the city and as an exhibition space.