Grote Kerk Monnickendam

On the outskirts of the city of Monnickendam, the Grote Kerk rises like a beacon in the Waterland polder landscape. Although many old churches usually form the hub of a core, the Grote Kerk of Monnickendam is built on the edge of the historic center and can be seen from afar. The Grote Kerk is not the first church in Monnickendam. There may have been a modest church already in the 13th century. For the rapidly growing population of Monnickendam, this church soon became too small and the construction of the Grote Kerk began at the end of the 14th century. Shortly after 1470, the doors of this first church were closed. The construction of the Grote Kerk took at least 250 years, roughly divided over six phases. The Grote Kerk is a three-hall church. The roofs of the three halls rest on the outer walls and on 24 pillars. The Grote Kerk is now there for the fortnightly well-attended worship services of the Protestant Church in Monnickendam. In addition, the church is used with, among other things, the performance of the John Passion, the many concerts, the exhibitions, funeral services, the goodbye of Sinterklaas and many other social and administrative gatherings.