Agnietenkapel, Gothic chapel in Nieuwe Markt, Netherlands.
Agnietenkapel is a Gothic chapel in central Gouda featuring tall windows and characteristic elements of 15th century medieval religious architecture. The interior accommodates around 100 visitors and contains exhibition boards, a mobile bar, kitchen facilities, and sound systems designed for events.
Originally built as part of a convent dedicated to Saint Agnes, the chapel was converted into a tapestry workshop after the Protestant Reformation. The building faced demolition in the 1960s but underwent restoration between 1972 and 1975 to secure its future for cultural use.
The chapel operated as a pawnshop from 1653 to 1924, serving as a financial resource where residents could borrow money using personal items as collateral. This function reflects how the building adapted to meet the practical needs of Gouda's community over centuries.
The chapel is centrally located and easily accessible, with clear signage in the city center and sufficient space inside for visitors to move around comfortably. Check current opening times and planned events before visiting to make the most of your experience.
The chapel was marked for demolition several times during the 1960s before citizens and cultural advocates fought to save it from destruction. Its rescue and transformation into a cultural space became a turning point for how Gouda valued its architectural heritage.
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