Grote of Martinikerk

The Grote of Martinikerk, centrally located in Sneek, Netherlands, is a historic gem that has stood the test of time. Named after Saint Martin, the patron saint of Sneek, this church is a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region. As you approach the church, you are immediately struck by its imposing structure, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles that tell a tale of centuries gone by.

The History of Grote of Martinikerk

The origins of the Grote of Martinikerk date back to the 11th century when it was first constructed using tuff stone. Around 1300, the church was expanded, and three towers were added to its Romanesque west facade, along with a wooden bell tower. However, the church as we see it today primarily dates from 1498 when the choir and nave were rebuilt in the Gothic style. The sacristy on the south side, now used as a consistory room, was added in the 16th century.

In 1681, a significant part of the Romanesque west front collapsed, taking the central tower with it. The two remaining towers were subsequently demolished. The church was rebuilt, but the towers were never restored. Today, the spots where these towers once stood are marked by raised areas in the old churchyard. In 1925, the foundations of the pillars were renewed to prevent further subsidence, and the church was equipped with electric lighting. The 1970s and 1980s saw extensive restorations, including the removal of a plaster ceiling and the installation of an oak barrel vault.

Exploring the Interior

Upon entering the Grote of Martinikerk, visitors are greeted by a serene and austere interior, a reflection of the church's transition to Protestantism in 1580. The Reformation led to the removal of altars and statues, and the organ fell silent for many years. It wasn't until the late 17th century that an organ was reintroduced as an accompaniment for psalm singing, supported by a precentor. The 17th century also saw the addition of paintings and text boards, adding a touch of color and history to the otherwise simple interior.

The interior underwent further changes during the Batavian Revolution of 1795, which emphasized freedom, equality, and fraternity. The stained glass windows were replaced with clear glass, and the dignified funeral shields and family crests on the pews were removed. In many places, the coats of arms were chiseled out of the tombstones, a stark reminder of the changing times.

The Entrances

The Grote of Martinikerk can be entered through four different portals, each with its own unique history. The oldest entrance is on the east side, featuring a gate from 1652. This serves as the main entrance and faces the town hall. The south side has a small wooden entrance that was historically used by the poor and orphans. The north side boasts a large entrance in a classicist style, while the west side has a portal under the balcony that now houses a restroom.

The Magnificent Organ

One of the highlights of the Grote of Martinikerk is its magnificent organ, built between 1710 and 1711 by the renowned organ maker Arp Schnitger. Located at the junction of the church and the choir, the organ was one of the largest and most modern in Friesland at the time. Over the years, the organ has undergone several modifications and restorations, including a significant overhaul in 1898 by the organ builders Van Dam. The most recent restoration, carried out between 1986 and 1988 by Bakker & Timmenga, aimed to preserve the Van Dam concept while incorporating new elements in the Schnitger style.

The organ's disposition includes mechanical registers, couplings, and a tremulant on the swell and backwork. The organ's pitch is set at 466 Hz, and it is tuned to an equal temperament. The choir organ, added in 1985, was built by J.L. van den Heuvel in Dordrecht and designed in the style of Cavaillé-Coll, featuring a mechanical slider chest and a wind pressure of 90 mm WK.

The Carillon

The carillon of the Grote of Martinikerk is the largest in Friesland and one of the few in the Netherlands with more than four octaves. It consists of 50 bells, 12 of which date back to the original carillon by Van Bergen from 1949. The current carillon was expanded and retuned in 1970 to include a four-octave range in E-flat. The bells are played daily via an automatic drum and weekly by the city carillonneur.

The history of the carillon dates back to the 16th century when a small chime of nine bells announced the hour. Over the centuries, the carillon has been expanded and modified several times, with notable contributions from bell founders Claes Noorden, Jan Albert de Grave, and Johan Christiaan Borchhard. The current carillon, with its 50 bells, was completed in 1998 by Petit & Fritsen, making it the largest in Friesland.

In conclusion, the Grote of Martinikerk is not just a place of worship but a living monument to the rich history and cultural heritage of Sneek. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, from its Romanesque beginnings to its Gothic transformation and beyond. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to the Grote of Martinikerk promises to be a memorable journey through time.