Churches in Friesland

Historic Protestant Churches

Friesland's landscape is defined by its historic Protestant churches, many of which stand on ancient 'terps' or artificial mounds. This collection spans from medieval Romanesque structures to 18th-century classical designs. Key highlights include the Grote of Jacobijnerkerk in Leeuwarden, housing royal burial vaults, and the Johanneskerk in Tzum, featuring the province’s tallest spire. These sites preserve centuries of Dutch ecclesiastical architecture, intricate wood carvings, and historic pipe organs.

Historic Protestant Churches — Map

Timo Tijhof / CC BY 3.0

A

Grote of Sint-Martinuskerk

A 16th-century church rebuilt following the 1572 siege of Dokkum. It features a historic organ and serves as a central landmark in the fortified town.

B

Grote of Jacobijnerkerk

The largest medieval church in Leeuwarden, dating from the 13th to 15th centuries. It contains the burial vault of the Frisian branch of the House of Nassau.

C

st martinuskerk

A 15th-century Gothic church in Sneek featuring a significant carillon and a historic interior reflecting the city's medieval importance.

Bram ten Cate / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Grote Kerk

Built in 1775 on the site of a medieval predecessor, this church in Harlingen features late Baroque and Neoclassical architectural elements.

Paul van Galen / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Protestant church of Aldtsjerk

The Protestant church of Aldtsjerk or Saint Paul's church is a religious building in Aldtsjerk, Netherlands, one of the numerous medieval…

Gouwenaar / Public domain

F

Protestant church of Rinsumageast

The Protestant church of Rinsumageast or Saint Alexander’s church is a religious building in Rinsumageast, Netherlands, one of the many…

Pvt pauline / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Grote of Sint Gertrudiskerk

A single-aisle church built in 1632 on older foundations. It is known for its distinctive spire and its role in the maritime history of Hindeloopen.

H

Doopsgezinde Kerk

A Mennonite (Doopsgezinde) church dating from 1860, characterized by the simple, unadorned architectural style typical of the denomination.

I

Kerk van Warstiens

A modest 19th-century church built in 1882 to replace a medieval structure in the small village of Warstiens.

J

Andreaskerk

15th-century church with a 19th-century tower. The surrounding area is historically significant for major archaeological finds from the early Middle Ages.

K

Johanneskerk

A historic church famous for its 72-meter spire, which is the tallest church tower in the province of Friesland.

L

Antoniuskerk

17th-century brick church featuring a tower with medieval origins, serving the community of Surhuizum.

M

Zuiderkerk

An early 20th-century church built in 1924, showcasing Dutch expressionist architecture designed by B.W. Plooij.

N

Bartholomeüskerk

Rebuilt in 1708 on medieval foundations, this church serves the small hamlet of Westhem near Feyteburen.

O

Kerk op de hoogte

A 17th-century church built in 1646 on a raised elevation, featuring a historic interior and traditional Frisian brickwork.

P

Terpkerk

This 18th-century church, built in 1795, stands on a terp (artificial mound) and serves as a prominent landmark in Burum.

Q

Sint Janskerk

Originally a 12th-century Romanesque structure, this church in Huizum underwent significant renovations in the 19th century while retaining its historic character.

R

Walburgakerk

A 17th-century church completed in 1653, featuring a much older 15th-century tower and historic furnishings.

S

Hervormde Kerk

Built in 1716, this church in Lemmer features a unique floor plan and houses a significant 19th-century pipe organ.

T

Dionysiuskerk

A 16th-century Gothic church in Minnertsga, meticulously restored after suffering extensive fire damage in 1947.

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