Tower of Our Lady

The Tower of Our Lady, known locally as Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren, stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Amersfoort, Netherlands. This towering structure, with its impressive height of 98.33 meters, dominates the skyline and offers a glimpse into the rich history and architectural brilliance of the late Gothic period. As the third tallest church tower in the Netherlands, it is affectionately nicknamed Lange Jan (Long John) by the locals.

The History of the Tower of Our Lady

The origins of the Tower of Our Lady can be traced back to the 14th century when a modest chapel was first constructed on the site. This chapel was expanded into a three-aisled cross-shaped church in the 15th century. The exact date of the tower's construction remains a mystery, but it is believed to have commenced shortly after the miraculous Wonder of Amersfoort in 1444 and was completed around 1470.

Unfortunately, the official records of the church's construction were lost in 1579 during the Reformation and the subsequent iconoclasm when Protestants seized control and destroyed large parts of the church's archives. The Protestants took over the tower, which was then connected to the church, from the Catholics.

In the years following the Protestant takeover, the church was repurposed for various uses, including as a storage facility for gunpowder and a laboratory for filling grenades. Tragically, in 1787, an explosion caused by a careless worker severely damaged the church, resulting in the loss of 17 lives. The church ruins were eventually demolished in 1806, leaving the tower to stand alone.

Throughout its history, the Tower of Our Lady has undergone several restorations, with the most recent ones taking place between 1912-1932, 1965-1970, and 1993-1996. Despite these changes, the tower has retained its historical charm and continues to be a central point of interest in Amersfoort.

Architectural Marvel

The Tower of Our Lady is a fine example of late Gothic architecture, with its design heavily influenced by the tower of the Utrecht Dom. The tower is composed of two square sections made of brick and natural stone, supported by buttresses, and an octagonal lantern crafted from sandstone. A wooden crown tops the structure, replacing the original spire lost in 1547.

The tower's silhouette, with its small stair tower in front of the lantern, is often seen as a symbol of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. This unique design adds to the tower's allure and spiritual significance.

In 2014, the tower's wooden entrance doors were replaced with the bronze Pilgrim's Door designed by Eric Claus, further enhancing its historical and artistic value.

The Bells of the Tower

One of the most remarkable features of the Tower of Our Lady is its two carillons. The older carillon, cast by the Hemony brothers between 1659 and 1664, consists of 35 bells. The newer carillon, created by the Royal Eijsbouts Bell Foundry in 1997, boasts 58 bells. While Amersfoort no longer has an official city carillonneur since 1995, various carillonneurs, including teachers and students from the Dutch Carillon School in Amersfoort, continue to play these magnificent bells.

In addition to the carillons, the tower houses seven swinging bells, cast by the Rincker Bell and Art Foundry in 2000. Weighing approximately 7000 kg, these bells are rung on the first Saturday of each month, before summer concerts, and on special occasions such as King's Day and May 4th, thanks to the efforts of the Amersfoort Bell Guild Het Zevengelui, founded in 2002.

Illuminating the Night

In 2013, the Radiant Center Netherlands Foundation launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund new lighting for the Tower of Our Lady. The outdated and non-compliant lamps were replaced with a stunning light art installation designed by Jeroen Jans. Completed in 2014, the project features 132 LED lights that illuminate the tower both inside and out, creating a mesmerizing sight for all to behold.

A special memorial lantern, part of the new lighting, keeps the tower's intricate Gothic elements illuminated at night, serving as a tribute to the deceased.

A Central Point of Measurement

Due to its prominent visibility and central location in the Netherlands, the Tower of Our Lady was chosen as the origin point for the national triangulation of the Netherlands by the National Commission for Degree Measurement and Water Regulation from 1885 to 1930. Although the coordinates have since been adjusted for practical reasons, the tower remains the central point of the Dutch coordinate system, a testament to its enduring significance.

The Legend of the Tower

A captivating legend surrounds the construction of the Tower of Our Lady. In 1444, a girl named Geertje Arends from Nijkerk threw a small statue of the Virgin Mary into the outer moat of Amersfoort, deeming it too ugly to present as a gift to the Mother Superior of the Agnietenklooster. On Christmas, a maid named Margriet Alberts had a vision in which Mary instructed her to retrieve the statue from the water. After two more visions, Margriet finally obeyed and found the statue unharmed at the specified location. She brought it home, and miracles began to occur, with candles placed near the statue burning continuously.

The statue was moved to a chapel, and Amersfoort quickly became a popular pilgrimage site. The influx of pilgrims' donations led to the expansion of the chapel and the decision to build a high tower. According to the legend, the tower symbolizes the Virgin Mary, with the small stair tower representing the Christ Child.

After the Reformation in 1579, the pilgrimage continued on a smaller scale until the city council intervened in 1720, likely due to the involvement of the pilgrimage in the schism of the Roman Catholic Church (the Utrecht Schism). A replica of the statue and its accessories has since been housed in the Old Catholic Church. In 1933, Roman Catholics founded the Our Lady's Guild, which organizes an annual procession on the Saturday eight days before Pentecost. Although interest waned in the early 1960s, participation has since stabilized at several hundred people.

In conclusion, the Tower of Our Lady is not just a historical monument but a symbol of Amersfoort's rich heritage and enduring spirit. Its towering presence, architectural beauty, and fascinating history make it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring this charming Dutch city.