Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk, Gothic church in The Hague, Netherlands
The Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk is a Gothic hall church in The Hague with three aisles and a six-sided tower rising above the city. Inside, the space is defined by stone columns and vaulted ceilings, with a carved wooden pulpit and shield decorations on the walls.
Construction began in 1337 and progressed through the 14th century, with major reconstruction between 1434 and 1455 reshaping the building from a cruciform layout to a spacious hall design. That transformation defined the structure visitors see today.
The church served as the spiritual heart of The Hague for centuries, and its interior displays a mixture of noble heraldry and crafted details. Visitors can observe how different periods left their mark through decoration and adornment.
The building sits in central The Hague and welcomes visitors for self-guided walks or organized events like concerts and tours of the architecture. It's worth checking opening times and event schedules before visiting to make the most of your time there.
A fire in 1539 destroyed nearly all the original stained glass windows, yet two donated by Charles V survived and remain visible inside. These two panes are among the oldest surviving elements from the church's medieval past.
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