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Cathedral · 's-Hertogenbosch, North Brabant
St. John's Cathedral (Sint-Janskathedraal)
Gothic cathedral of 's-Hertogenbosch, dedicated to St. John, built between the 14th and 16th centuries. The flying buttresses have nearly a hundred carved figures, from musicians to fantastic creatures, and the tower is open to visitors at certain times.
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 St. John's Cathedral (Sint-Janskathedraal)
No building in 's-Hertogenbosch compares in size to St. John’s Cathedral. The current church was built gradually from the late 14th to the 16th century in the Brabant Gothic style, on the site of earlier churches.
What draws the most attention is outside. On the flying buttresses, the stone arches that support the walls, there are almost a hundred carved figures: musicians, craftsmen, monsters and characters that recall the world of Jheronimus Bosch’s paintings; Bosch lived in the city. In a restoration completed in 2011, one of the sculptors added an angel holding a mobile phone, now searched for by visitors with binoculars.
Inside, the high nave houses stained-glass windows, a monumental 17th-century organ and the image of Our Lady of 's-Hertogenbosch, the Zoete Lieve Vrouw, an object of local devotion. The Sint-Janskathedraal is the cathedral of the diocese of 's-Hertogenbosch.
Access to the nave is usually open outside service times. The climb to the tower and visits to the roofs, when available, have a separate fee; check the current rates and dates.
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 45 minutes; longer if you include the climb to the tower or the roofs.
Best time
Early in the day, when the sun hits the south façade. Avoid mass times and confirm opening hours before you go.
How to get there
From the Markt, follow Kerkstraat to the cathedral; it’s a short walk.
Tip
Bring binoculars or use your camera’s zoom to look for the carved figures on the flying buttresses, including the angel with a cellphone.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. John's Cathedral (Sint-Janskathedraal)
What is special about Den Bosch’s cathedral?
The nearly one hundred carved figures on the flying buttresses outside, and the Gothic interior, with a 17th-century organ and the image of the Zoete Lieve Vrouw.
Where is the angel with a cellphone on the Sint-Jan?
On one of the cathedral’s flying buttresses. It was added to the façade during restoration works; look for it with binoculars or your camera zoom.
Can you climb the Sint-Janskathedraal tower?
At certain times, yes, with a guided tour for which an additional fee applies. Confirm dates and conditions before you go.