Sint Bonifatiuskerk (St. Boniface Church), Zaandam
The Saint Boniface Church in Zaandam is a neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church built between 1899 and 1900. It is known for its squat square tower and a particularly cool and colorful neo-Gothic interior. The church is part of a larger complex that also includes a rectory. The Boniface parish was founded in 1784. Before that, Roman Catholics (the Old Catholics had their own secret church) worshipped in the remote hamlet of 't Kalf.
The reason for the parish's foundation was the capture of a small and hideous animal (a rat) by a Protestant government official, which he wanted to show to his Catholic neighbor. However, he was at church and did not return until hours later. The conversation between the two neighbors ended with the advice to the Catholic neighbor to submit a request to found a secret church closer to home. This request was granted, and the Zaandam wooden secret church was inaugurated in 1785. This church served until the end of the 19th century but then became too small.
As a result, a new church was built opposite the old secret church, which was completed in 1900. The building is a three-aisled cross basilica with an integrated, westwork-like square tower. The church is oriented so that the choir faces east. Inside, there is a platform on which the organ is located. At the top, there is a rose window. To the east of the landing are four more bays followed by the transept, which barely extends beyond the nave. This is followed by the choir, which comprises two more complete bays and a final bay. All bays have pointed arches, usually with stained glass windows.
The neo-Gothic interior has remained largely intact and exudes a sense of peace and harmony. Notable and interesting are the banners of various Roman Catholic associations that hang on the church's pillars. Also striking are the colorful stained glass windows depicting episodes from the lives of Saint Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Boniface.
The modest Mitterreither organ located above the platform is part of the national monument registration. This organ was built in 1786 and originally stood in the secret church.
The reason for the parish's foundation was the capture of a small and hideous animal (a rat) by a Protestant government official, which he wanted to show to his Catholic neighbor. However, he was at church and did not return until hours later. The conversation between the two neighbors ended with the advice to the Catholic neighbor to submit a request to found a secret church closer to home. This request was granted, and the Zaandam wooden secret church was inaugurated in 1785. This church served until the end of the 19th century but then became too small.
As a result, a new church was built opposite the old secret church, which was completed in 1900. The building is a three-aisled cross basilica with an integrated, westwork-like square tower. The church is oriented so that the choir faces east. Inside, there is a platform on which the organ is located. At the top, there is a rose window. To the east of the landing are four more bays followed by the transept, which barely extends beyond the nave. This is followed by the choir, which comprises two more complete bays and a final bay. All bays have pointed arches, usually with stained glass windows.
The neo-Gothic interior has remained largely intact and exudes a sense of peace and harmony. Notable and interesting are the banners of various Roman Catholic associations that hang on the church's pillars. Also striking are the colorful stained glass windows depicting episodes from the lives of Saint Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Boniface.
The modest Mitterreither organ located above the platform is part of the national monument registration. This organ was built in 1786 and originally stood in the secret church.
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Sint Bonifatiuskerk (St. Boniface Church) on Map
Sight Name: Sint Bonifatiuskerk (St. Boniface Church)
Sight Location: Zaandam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Zaandam)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Zaandam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Zaandam)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Zaandam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Zaandam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Zaandam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Zaandam Introduction Walking Tour
Although historically significant as such, Zaandam, a charming old town on the banks of the Zaan River in the northwestern part of the Netherlands, does not have the same level of worldwide recognition as some larger cities. Despite its close proximity to Amsterdam, Zaandam has a plethora of tourist attractions of its own, readily available for those who seek them.
The name "Zaandam"... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The name "Zaandam"... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Windmills Village Walk
Windmills Village, or Zaanse Schans, as it's known locally, is a truly unique place in the Netherlands. In this quaint location, packed to the brim with postcard-perfect wooden houses, windmills, and barns, one can easily experience what life was like in the country back in the 1850s.
Among the village's top highlights is the Museum of the Dutch Clock. Home to a stunning collection of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Among the village's top highlights is the Museum of the Dutch Clock. Home to a stunning collection of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles