Grote of Sint-Barbarakerk (Culemborg)

The Grote of Sint-Barbarakerk in Culemborg is a remarkable testament to Gothic architecture and Dutch religious history. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Culemborg, this Protestant church stands as a symbol of resilience and transformation, having weathered centuries of change and adversity.

The History of Grote of Sint-Barbarakerk

The origins of the Grote of Sint-Barbarakerk date back to the 14th century. Initially constructed as a Roman Catholic church, it was a spiritual center for the community until the Reformation in 1578, when it was seized and handed over to the Protestants. The church's history is marked by a significant event in 1654 when a devastating fire razed it to the ground. However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the church was meticulously rebuilt, preserving its Gothic charm and historical significance.

The architecture of the church is a fascinating blend of different periods. The original structure was a simple cross-shaped basilica made of brick. In the second quarter of the 15th century, it underwent significant transformations, including the conversion of the nave into its current form and the addition of a choir with a rood screen and transept. The elevation to a collegiate church in 1421 further spurred its architectural development. By 1500, the aisles were widened, and in the early 16th century, chapels were added at the transept level: the Cross Chapel on the south side and the Mary Chapel on the north side.

Architectural Marvels

The church's architecture is a study in Gothic elegance and simplicity. The exterior, with its towering brick walls and pointed arches, is a classic example of Gothic design. The interior is equally impressive, with wooden barrel vaults supported by simple pillars and a two-part wall elevation. The south side of the choir features a two-story sacristy with a three-sided end and a stair tower, whose ground floor boasts a net vault on carved consoles dating back to around 1525.

One of the most striking features of the church is its tower, which houses a remarkable carillon with 47 bells. These include nine bass bells cast by the Hemony brothers, renowned bell founders of the 17th century. Over the years, some of these bells were sold, but efforts have been made to restore the carillon to its former glory, including the return of a Hemony bell in 2010 and another in 2021. The carillon, with its new clappers and playing table, continues to be a source of musical delight for the town, with Dick van Dijk serving as the carillonneur.

Exploring the Interior

Stepping inside the Grote of Sint-Barbarakerk is like entering a time capsule. The rich inventory of the church, primarily from the 17th and 18th centuries, adds to its historical allure. The pulpit, with its brass lectern, dates back to 1658, while the baptismal rail, adorned with brass candlesticks and church benches, was crafted by the Utrecht carpenter Joris Fluyt in the 17th century. The benches, featuring a canopy from around 1800, are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.

The church also houses two covered lord's benches in the transept, dating from the late 17th century. The southern bench, originally from the Sint-Janskerk in the southern suburb, was enlarged in the 19th century and features a polychrome city coat of arms. The northern and southern aisles contain two portals from the third quarter of the 17th century, also crafted by Joris Fluyt. The northern ambulatory preserves three damaged votive stones with reliefs from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Monuments and Memorials

The church is also home to several significant monuments and memorials. In the choir, a white marble tomb within a wrought-iron enclosure commemorates Catharina Alida van der Dussen, created in 1746 by I. Pollina and topped with a putto by J. Francois Maas. The southern transept features an epitaph for Frederic d’Orville, dating to 1655, made of sandstone with a carved frame. Numerous carved tombstones from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a stone tombstone for Elisabeth van Buren, the wife of Gerhard II of Culemborg, from 1451, with Gothic foliage, add to the church's historical depth.

The Organs

The Grote of Sint-Barbarakerk boasts two magnificent organs. The main organ, with its Hauptwerk and Unterpositiv in a carved case, was created in 1719 by Matthijs Verhofstadt. It is the best-preserved organ by Verhofstadt and features 28 stops on two manuals and a pedal. The independent pedal was added during the 1970 restoration. The choir organ, built around 1750 by Vitus Wiegleb, has one manual and an attached pedal. It was installed in Culemborg in 1968 and restored in 1971. The organ, previously used in Naarden and Baarn, now has 11 stops on one manual and pedal.

Visiting the Grote of Sint-Barbarakerk is not just a journey through architectural splendor but also a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Dutch religious and cultural history. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, this Gothic gem in Culemborg promises a memorable and enriching experience.