Kruisvindingskerk, church building in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Welcome to Rotterdam, a city that is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. As a tourist guide, I would like to take you on a journey to explore one of the most significant landmarks in the city - the Heilige Kruisvindingkerk. The Heilige Kruisvindingkerk is a Roman Catholic church located at Beukendaal 2 in Rotterdam. It was built in the early 1900s in the Tuindorp Vreewijk neighborhood of Rotterdam-Zuid. Initially, the Catholic residents of Vreewijk belonged to the parish of the Sint-Franciscus van Assisikerk in the Afrikaanderbuurt. However, due to the distance between the two areas and the growing number of Catholics in Vreewijk, it became necessary to establish a separate church in the area. In 1922, the Order of the Holy Cross, also known as the Kruisheren, was asked to manage the new parish. Father W. Mulder O.S.C. was appointed as the rector for the newly established parish. A temporary church was built at Enk 142 with 300 seats, and the first mass was held on April 9th, 1922. On August 23rd, 1923, the Heilige Kruisvinding parish was officially established, and the temporary church was elevated to a parish church. Father Mulder became the first pastor of the new parish. The parish purchased a piece of land to build a permanent church and an adjacent monastery for the priests. Construction began in early 1926, and while the first walls were being built, the symbolic first stone was laid on May 3rd, 1926, which was the Catholic feast day of the Heilige Kruisvinding. According to tradition, this event took place exactly 1600 years earlier. The construction of the church cost fl. 325,000. The Heilige Kruisvindingkerk is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture and features stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and a magnificent organ. The church has a seating capacity of 800 people and is still an active parish today. Visitors are welcome to attend mass or take a guided tour of the church to learn more about its history and significance. In conclusion, the Heilige Kruisvindingkerk is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Rotterdam. Its historical significance, stunning architecture, and religious importance make it a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Location: Rotterdam
Inception: 1927
Architect: Hermanus Petrus Josephus de Vries
Architectural style: interwar period architecture
Address: Beukendaal 2, 3075LG Rotterdam 3075LG
Source: Wikimedia