Roman Catholic Capuchin Church - 's-Hertogenbosch

In 1898, the Capuchins returned to Den Bosch after centuries of absence. On 28 August of that year, their new church was officially opened, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Capuchins, followers of Francis of Assisi, had lived in the city since 1611, until they were expelled in 1629 during the capture of Den Bosch. A few brothers remained active in hidden churches, but their presence slowly disappeared from the cityscape. The last priest was succeeded by a secular priest in 1761.

The new church, a neoclassical hall church, has a sober brick façade with neo-Romanesque features. Inside, the interior is austere and bright, with plastered walls, pilaster strips, a continuous cornice and barrel vaults. Everything exudes the architectural style of the late 19th century. Eye-catchers are the richly decorated neo-Renaissance high altar, the side altars, the pulpit and confessionals, all of which date from the original construction period. In the porch is a remarkable tombstone with the image of a priest from 1659, a silent witness to the religious life that has characterised this place for so long.

The church and the adjoining monastery were designed by Felix Baijens, a Capuchin monk from Dennenburg. In 1979, the church was given a new role when the parishes of the Leonarduskerk and Sint Pieter were merged to form the Binnenstadsparochie (inner city parish). The Capuchin Church was then designated as a parish church, with special care for the 't Zand neighbourhood. Since 2002, the church has once again been used exclusively as a monastery church, as it was originally intended.

Photo: ©Brabant Partners