The Church of Saint Laurence

Although Rotterdam is most famous for its modern high-rise, in the heart of the old city it is still the Great- or Saint Laurence church that has been towering over everything in its vicinity for centuries.

The church, that was built in the long stretch between 1449 and 1525, is Rotterdam’s only late gothic structure from medieval times that is still standing. Over time, it had to endure stormy weather, bombings, and urban renovations in order to keep that position.

The church of Saint Laurence doesn’t only illustrate the way that the city has developed over the years, it is also a symbol for the unbridled effort and resilience that the inhabitants of Rotterdam showed through the ages. In medieval times, for example, it was possible to obtain the citizenship by donating 3000 bricks to the church. Over time the tower was replaced and restored several times and during the blitz of 1940 it was severely hit and damaged, but the rebuilding of the church caused for hope and fraternization.

In order to tell the story of this remarkable church and the city surrounding it, the exhibition The Church of Saint Laurence, a monument full of stories, was opened in 2010. Together with a MuseumGuide you’ll experience the various stories, artworks, musical fragments, sculptures and, of course, the church’s history. Discover who’s magnificently adorned tombs are to be found inside and where queen Juliana immured the first brick to kick off the rebuilding of the city. Watch the impressive film about the bombings of Rotterdam, Coventry and Dresden and get to know more about all the spiritual feasts that the different communities in Rotterdam celebrate up till the current day.

This tour is a good choice for both museum clubs, history lovers and students from several educational levels. Apart from a visit of the church, it is also possible to climb the tower together with a guide. Along the way you’ll have a look at the magnificent set of church bells and all the way up you’ll get to enjoy a panoramic view over Rotterdam.