HH. Laurentius- en Elisabethkathedraal

The HH. Laurentius- en Elisabethkathedraal is a beautiful Catholic cathedral located in the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The church was built in a modernist style with a blend of Gothic and Romanesque elements. Its unique design features a striking tower and a large glass façade that allows natural light to flood the interior.

The HH. Laurentius- en Elisabethkathedraal is located at Robert Fruinstraat 28, 3021 XE Rotterdam, Netherlands, situated in the heart of Rotterdam, near the Erasmus Bridge.

Construction on the cathedral began in 1937 and took several years to complete. It was officially consecrated in 1955 and has since become an important landmark and cultural hub in Rotterdam.

The HH. Laurentius- en Elisabethkathedraal is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and ornate decorations. Visitors can also explore the cathedral's crypt, which contains a series of medieval tombs and memorials.

The church hosts regular services, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The HH. Laurentius- en Elisabethkathedraal is an architectural masterpiece and a significant cultural institution in Rotterdam, offering a unique blend of beauty, history, and spiritual significance.

1. P.G. Buskens built the cathedral and it is located at the Mathenesserlaan in Rotterdam.
2. The church was built in two phases: the first phase, which included the choir, transept, and ship, took place between 1906-1908; the second phase, which added the twin towers, occurred between 1920-1922.

During World War II, the church suffered damage during a British bombing raid on October 3, 1941, which damaged the entrance, dome, and cupola. A Luftwaffe air attack on November 29, 1944, also caused significant damage to one of the side aisles. After the war, this damage was repaired.

Originally named Sint-Elisabethkerk, the church served as a parish church until 1956, when Rotterdam became a diocese. The Sint-Ignatiuskerk on the Westzeedijk was chosen as the cathedral, which was later renamed to honor the patron saint of Rotterdam, Laurentius.

In 1967, the Sint-Elisabethskerk became the cathedral of the Diocese of Rotterdam and was renamed HH. Laurentius- en Elisabethkathedraal. The interior of the cathedral was modernized at that time, with some elements being painted white. However, during a restoration from 2010-2011, the interior was returned to its original state prior to 1960 as much as possible. This restoration cost approximately 7 million euros.

• Key Features: beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and ornate decorations
• Location: Robert Fruinstraat 28, 3021 XE Rotterdam, Netherlands
• History: construction began in 1937 and took several years to complete; officially consecrated in 1955