Oude Kerk, Protestant church in Barneveld, Netherlands
Oude Kerk is a Gothic hall church in the center of Barneveld, in the Netherlands, with a square tower that rises above the main square. The interior is designed as an open hall and is used for both religious services and concerts.
The earliest written records of the church go back to the 12th century, and a serious fire in 1421, during fighting between Utrecht and the Gelderlanders, caused heavy damage. The building was rebuilt and modified several times after that, with major work carried out in the 1950s and again in the 1980s.
The church sits at the heart of Protestant life in Barneveld, and its tower defines the skyline around Torenplein square. Visitors attending concerts can hear the carillon play from the open square just outside the building.
The church stands directly on Torenplein in the town center and is easy to reach on foot. Opening times vary depending on services and events, so it is worth checking in advance if you plan to visit the interior.
The Paradijsorgel, an organ completed in 1765, is still in use inside the church today. It has been restored more than once since it was built and is considered one of the notable historic instruments in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.