The Grote Kerk

The Grote Kerk (Great Church) is a beautiful Gothic church located in the heart of The Hague, Netherlands. It was built in the 14th century as a replacement for an earlier church that stood on the same site and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with significant changes made during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century.

The church is known for its impressive Gothic architecture, featuring a long, narrow nave with ribbed vaults and pointed arches. The exterior walls are constructed from local limestone and feature a striking fa��ade with a central tower that rises to a height of over 80 meters (262 feet).

The Grote Kerk is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows, which date back to the 15th century and are some of the finest examples of medieval glazing in the Netherlands. The interior walls are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, including ornate stone tombs and ornamental details.

The church is home to two historic organs, one dating back to the 16th century and the other from the 18th century. Today, the Grote Kerk serves as a place of worship for the Protestant community in The Hague, but it also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year. Its rich history and stunning architecture make it one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.

• History: Built in the 14th century as a replacement for an earlier church
• Significant changes made during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century
• Architecture: Impressive Gothic architecture, featuring a long, narrow nave with ribbed vaults and pointed arches
• Striking façade with a central tower that rises to a height of over 80 meters (262 feet)
• Famous Features: Stunning stained glass windows dating back to the 15th century, two historic organs, and ornate stone tombs

Historical Significance

In 1456, the ridders of the Order of the Golden Fleece met in the church and left their coats of arms behind. The church is also home to many historical monuments and tombstones.

1. The Church Tower: The tallest tower in Holland at 92.5 meters high
2. A unique feature of the church is its zeskantige (hexagonal) tower, which dates back to the first half of the 15th century
3. The Organs: One dates back to around 1500 or earlier, but the exact date is unknown
4. The church has a large number of monuments and tombstones, including one for Admiral Jacob van Wassenaer Obdam
5. Royal Connections: Many members of the House of Orange-Nassau have been baptized or married in this church, including Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, who was baptized here in 2004

Tenure and Ownership

The church and tower do not have the same owner: The church is owned by the Protestant Church, while the tower is owned by the city of The Hague.