Historic Religious Sites

Overijssel’s religious landscape is defined by its medieval origins and architectural diversity. This collection spans from the 11th-century Romanesque foundations of Oldenzaal's St. Plechelmus Basilica to the soaring Gothic vaults of Zwolle’s St. Michael’s. Notable highlights include the Broerenkerk, a 15th-century Dominican church now serving as a bookstore, and the 19th-century eclectic Synagogue of Zwolle. These sites showcase centuries of ecclesiastical history, featuring historic organs, ornate stained glass, and the region's prominent 'Great Churches' that dominate historic city skylines.

Historic Religious Sites — Mappa

Rolf Versteeg / CC BY 3.0

A

Synagoge Zwolle

Built between 1898 and 1899, this Moorish-style synagogue features distinctive horseshoe arches and serves as a center for Jewish culture and heritage in the provincial capital.

Onderwijsgek / CC BY-SA 2.5 nl

B

Grote of St. Michaëlskerk

A 15th-century Gothic hall church located on the Grote Markt. It is known for its world-famous Schnitger organ from 1721 and the monumental tomb of Thomas a Kempis.

Josbert Lonnee / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Grote Kerk

Located on the Oude Markt, this medieval church was largely rebuilt after the city fire of 1862. It retains a Romanesque tower and houses several historic gravestones.

Unknown photographerUnknown photographer / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Sint-Lambertusbasiliek

A Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic basilica in Hengelo, designed by Gerard te Riele and completed in 1890. It is noted for its high spire and intricate interior brickwork.

Fransvannes / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Lebuïnuskerk, Deventer

The Great Church or St. Lebuinus Church is the main church building of the Dutch city of Deventer, Netherlands.

Michielverbeek / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Bovenkerk, Kampen

The Bovenkerk is a large, Gothic church and the most striking element on the skyline of Kampen, Overijssel, Netherlands.

Scanlan, G. (Fotograaf) / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Basilica of St Plechelm

The Basilica of St Plechelmus is a Catholic church in the Dutch town of Oldenzaal dedicated to the 8th-century Irish monk Plechelm, whose…

G.Lanting / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Broerenkerk

This former Dominican monastery church dates to 1465. Since 2013, the building has functioned as a bookstore, preserving its original vaulted ceilings and 16th-century frescoes.

Middeleeuwse kunstenaar / Public domain

I

Grote of Andreaskerk

The Grote of Andreaskerk is the oldest church building of Hattem. It is situated in the city centre.

Ronald Berghuijs / CC-BY-SA

J

Grote of Sint-Clemenskerk

A Protestant church in Steenwijk featuring a 15th-century tower. Standing at 87 meters, the tower is one of the tallest masonry structures in the province.

Gouwenaar / Public domain

K

Hervormde Kerk

Dating from 1609, this was one of the first churches in the Netherlands specifically designed for Protestant worship. It features a unique floor plan tailored for acoustic clarity.

Unknown / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Grote Kerk

A cruciform church with a late-Gothic choir dating back to the 15th century. It stands as the oldest building in Almelo and features historic stained glass.

Onderwijsgek / CC BY-SA 2.5 nl

M

Onze Lieve Vrouwe ten Hemelopneming

Famous for its 'Peperbus' tower which resembles a pepper mill, this 14th-century Gothic basilica is a landmark of the Zwolle skyline and contains a rich Catholic interior.

Josbert Lonnee / CC BY-SA 4.0

N

Sint Jacobus de Meerdere

A Neo-Gothic Catholic church on Enschede's Oude Markt, completed in 1934. The building is distinguished by its large copper dome and Byzantine-influenced architectural elements.

Michielverbeek / CC BY-SA 4.0

O

Buitenkerk

A 14th-century Gothic hall church in Kampen, originally built outside the city walls. It is recognized for its irregular floor plan and historic 18th-century pipe organ.