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Church · Gouda, South Holland
Grote of Sint-Janskerk
The longest church in the Netherlands, measuring 123 meters, in the centre of Gouda. Rebuilt after a fire in 1552, it houses the Goudse Glazen, a set of stained glass windows painted between 1555 and 1603, considered a high point of European glass painting.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grote of Sint-Janskerk
The Sint-Janskerk, St. John’s Church, stands just behind the Markt and dominates Gouda’s centre. At 123 meters long, it is regarded as the longest church building in the Netherlands. A church on this site is recorded from the 13th century, and the current form is mainly Gothic, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.
On January 12, 1552, lightning struck the tower and much of the church caught fire. The reconstruction was funded by house-to-house collections, a lottery and fines, and was completed a few years later. It was during this period that the series of stained glass windows that made the church famous began to be installed.
The Goudse Glazen, the stained glass of Gouda, were installed between 1555 and 1603, partly with designs by the brothers Dirck and Wouter Crabeth. They show scenes from the Bible and episodes from history, such as the relief of Leiden in 1603, the last of the 16th-century series. According to the city’s tourism office, no other church in the world preserves as much 16th-century painted glass. There are also later windows, such as the Liberation window of 1947.
The visit requires a separate ticket; check the current pricing. Admission includes an audio guide that explains the windows. The church is part of the Dutch museum-church network.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour; longer if you want to listen to the full audio guide.
Best time
On sunny days, when light passes through the windows. Avoid times of worship and confirm opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It sits adjacent to the Markt, on the south side of the square, a two- to three-minute walk away.
Tip
View the windows with the audio guide: each has its own donor, theme and date, and the sequence helps to understand the church’s history.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grote of Sint-Janskerk
Why is Gouda’s Sint-Janskerk famous?
For the Goudse Glazen, stained-glass windows installed between 1555 and 1603, and for its size: at 123 meters, it is the longest church in the Netherlands.
Who designed Gouda’s stained-glass windows?
Part of them were designed by the brothers Dirck and Wouter Crabeth in the 16th century. Other artists completed the series up to 1603.
Is visiting Sint-Janskerk paid?
Yes, entry is paid separately and includes an audio guide. Check the current price list and opening hours before you go.