Hooglandse Kerk ...

At the place where Old and New Rhine flow together you find the Highland Church, an imposing late Gothic basilica in the heart of Leiden. For centuries it has been a meeting place for different occasions. And yes, it's the outside of the place where yesterdays organ day was held. The picture is made from the battlements of the castle of Leiden, called De Burcht (The Castle).

Press 'L' on the keyboard to see the enlarged version!

Its history begins in the early 14th century as a wooden chapel, belonging to the parish of Leiderdorp. The church is dedicated to the early Christian martyr Saint Pancras (approx 300).

During the following centuries, the chapel is a collegiate church and cathedral. During the Reformation the building comes - after the heavily damage by the iconoclasm (August 1566) - in Protestant hands.

After World War II the church finds again in a poor state of repair which necessitates a new major restoration. From 1952 to 1972, therefore, the church surrounded by scaffolding for an intensive restoration.

The maintenance of the Hooglandsekerk also now requires a very great effort. As you can see from the picture, once again a part of the church is in scaffolding. Visiting the church is for free but ... your contribution is always welcome! This allows preserving the - for the Netherlands special church - for future generations.


(Source: www.hooglandsekerk.com)