The 10 Best Churches & Cathedrals in The Netherlands, The Netherlands

THE LONGEST CHURCH OF THE NETHERLANDS The great fire of 1552 destroyed much of the medieval church of Saint John. Shortly after the disaster, the council commissioned the reconstruction of the most startling church of Holland. With 123 meters it is also the longest church in The Netherlands THE 72 STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS ARE WORLD-FAMOUS Entering the Church of St. John, one falls silent at the sight of the majestic space with the 72 world-famous stained-glass windows. That first experience will only get stronger when you see the marvellous light by the 'Dutch Masters' invading the Church. The rich history of Holland can be read in the large windows. It is a beginning of an impressive discovery along biblical and historical scenes of human emotions. Then you understand that the Gouda St. John is one of the highest rated attractions in the Netherlands!

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Bavo (New Bavo) was designed by J.Th. Cuypers and built in the period from 1895 to 1930. The Cathedral Basilica is based on the classic form of a three-aisled basilica with chapels along the aisles and chapels along the choir. Because construction took a lot of time and a period of lack of funds in the diocese building temporarily brought, Cuypers was given the opportunity to present his designs several adjustments during construction and perform. The building therefore has an eclectic style, mainly neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic elements alongside Moorish and Assyrian ornament shapes and influences of Art Nouveau and the architect H. P. Berlage. Recently artworks of Jan Dibbets, Gijs Frieling and Marc Mulders were added to the interior. Without doubt a very special building. Activities at this monument: KathedraalMuseum, Willibrord Organ plus periodically vault tours and climbing the towers.

Stevenskerk, inspiring meeting place for art, culture and contemplation. Construction of the church started halfway the 13th century. In 1273 the church was consecrated by Albert Magnus, the Bishop of Cologne. Of this Roman Gothic church the groundwork and the most Western bays of the ship remain. Extensive construction took place in the course of the 15th century, among others the choir and the chapels. In the 16th century work was done on the transept and small part of the ship. After about 1650 construction stopped, which left the church unfinished. The tower was fitted with a new clock floor in the 15th century. During the bombing on Nijmegen February 22nd 1944, a large part of the tower collapsed. The South-Western part of the church was heavily damaged. Also in the period during the Second World War where Nijmegen was on the front the church incurred a lot of damage. After the WWII the church was thoroughly renovated.