Westerkerk, Gothic church building in Enkhuizen, Netherlands
Description
Westerkerk is a Gothic church building in Enkhuizen with three aisles and a length of about 70 meters. The interior features stone columns and vaulted ceilings typical of Gothic architecture, creating a sense of height and order throughout the space.
History
Construction began around 1470 and took about 50 years to complete, initially serving the Catholic farming community of the area. The building transitioned to Protestant worship in 1573 when the region embraced the Reformation.
Culture
The church houses the Librije van Enkhuizen, a library from the 17th century that still occupies its original space in the Netherlands. This room reveals how a small port town valued learning and preserved its written heritage for future generations.
Practical
The church is open during summer months from July to September in the afternoons and admission is free. Visitors should check ahead to see if special events might affect access during their visit.
Did you know?
The church floor contains roughly 1500 numbered stone graves arranged in three layers, accommodating up to about 4500 burials beneath the church. This underground burial system demonstrates a practical solution for honoring the deceased in a densely built town.
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