Sint-Jozefkerk, Enschede

Sint-Jozefkerk is a Catholic church in Enschede featuring a prominent 77-meter-high tower on its front facade and three naves arranged in seven bays with Gothic Revival styling. The building follows a traditional church layout where the tower anchors the composition and guides the eye along the street.

The church was constructed between 1893 and 1894 to serve the growing population of textile workers who arrived in Enschede during the industrial boom. It emerged during a period when the city was transforming into a major manufacturing center.

The interior features murals by artist Joan Collette that represent a significant artistic statement for early 20th-century Dutch religious spaces. These paintings remain intact and show how local artists contributed to the visual identity of the building.

The church is located at Oldenzaalsestraat 115 in a central position within the city and remains actively used for religious services. Visitors can access the space to view the interior and its artistic features during visiting hours.

The construction project included specific wage guidelines that set minimum pay between 13 cents for laborers and 17 cents per hour for skilled masons. This progressive labor approach was uncommon for building projects in the 1890s.

Location: Enschede

Inception: 1890s

Architects: Joseph Cuypers

Address: Oldenzaalsestraat 115

GPS coordinates: 52.22441,6.89914

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:24