The Sint-Franciscuskerk

The Sint-Franciscuskerk is located at Kapellestraat 15 in Oudewater, a town situated in the province of Utrecht in the central part of the Netherlands.

The church was built in the 14th century and has been a prominent landmark in the region ever since.

Today, the Sint-Franciscuskerk remains an important cultural and spiritual center for the people of Oudewater and surrounding areas. Visitors are welcome to explore the church and learn more about its rich history and significance in Dutch culture.

The church was built between 1881 and 1882 as a replacement for an older, smaller church from 1803. It was designed by Evert Margry, who was a student of Pierre Cuypers. Margry designed a three-aisled neo-Gothic cruciform church with a parsonage.

The Sint-Franciscuskerk has a tower that stands at 60 meters high. The church itself is 14.8 meters high, 54 meters long, and 19.5 meters wide, including the nave and side aisles. The church is covered by stone rib vaults. The interior of the church is almost entirely painted.

In 1992, dry rot was discovered in the church tower. To finance the restoration, the Franciscuskerk Foundation was established. In 1994, the tower was restored. In 2009, the church received a new foundation to prevent further subsidence. This formed the first and second phase of the restoration. The third phase was completed in 2019, during which the windows and frescoes in the transept were restored.

The church was consecrated on September 6, 1882, and was dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. It is still used by the congregation St. Franciscus of Pax Christi Parish. The church has an organ built by the Maarschalkerweerd firm.

Notable Features

• The tall tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside
• The beautiful stained-glass windows, which depict scenes from the Bible and other important events
• The intricate stone carvings and sculptures that adorn the walls and interior of the church
• The peaceful atmosphere, which provides a sense of calm and contemplation for those who visit

The Sint-Franciscuskerk is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or culture. Its beautiful architecture and rich heritage make it a truly special place to visit.