Great or Saint Catharina Church - Nijkerk

Whichever direction you approach Nijkerk from, the distinctive white tower of the Great or Saint Catharina Church rises above the town and can already be seen from afar. This tower, over 57 metres high, is the main landmark of Nijkerk and was chosen in 2012 by the RKK (Roman Catholic Church Broadcasting) as the Most Beautiful Church Tower of the Netherlands.

The church is named after Saint Catharina of Alexandria, a martyr from the 4th century who symbolises courage and wisdom. Catharina was revered throughout Europe and her name lives on in this church.

Nijkerk itself owes its name to this church: in 1222 a ‘Nije Kerck’ (New Church) was built on this site to replace an earlier chapel. That ‘new church’ grew into the centre of the town.

Inside, the monumental Van Deventer organ from 1756 is a real eye catcher, together with the remarkable pulpit from 1789.

Print from 1825–1850 by J.H. Meerburg via Gelders Archief.