Sint-Laurenskerk

Sint-Laurenskerk: Rotterdam’s medieval church

The Sint-Laurenskerk, also known as the Grote or Sint-Laurenskerk, is one of Rotterdam’s most important historic monuments and the only surviving medieval building in the city centre.

Construction of the present church began in 1449 and continued for several decades, until around 1525. A church dedicated to Saint Lawrence had already stood on this site about a century earlier. The result was the impressive late Gothic church that we know today.

The church is dedicated to Saint Lawrence of Rome, the patron saint of Rotterdam, whose image also appears on the city’s coat of arms.

From Catholic to Protestant church

The Laurenskerk was originally a Catholic church. In 1572, during the Reformation, it became Protestant and many of its Catholic statues and altars were removed from the interior.

For centuries, the church occupied a central position in Rotterdam’s religious and social life and was one of the most recognisable buildings in the old city.

The bombing of Rotterdam and reconstruction

The bombing of Rotterdam on 14 May 1940 destroyed much of the historic city centre and caused enormous damage to the Sint-Laurenskerk. The roof and interior were destroyed, while the walls and much of the tower remained standing.

After the war, there was even debate about whether the church should be rebuilt. Eventually, the decision was made to restore it as a symbol of Rotterdam’s history and reconstruction.

Queen Juliana laid the first stone of the reconstruction in 1952. The work continued for many years and was completed in December 1968, when the restored church was officially reopened in the presence of Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus.

The great organ of the Laurenskerk

One of the most impressive features inside the church is its enormous main organ, built by the Danish firm Marcussen & Søn and inaugurated in 1973.

With 7,600 pipes and 85 stops, it is the largest mechanical organ in the Netherlands and makes the Laurenskerk an important venue for organ concerts and classical music.

The church also has other organs that are used for concerts, religious services and different musical activities.

Art and monuments inside the church

The bronze doors at the main entrance were created by Italian sculptor Giacomo Manzù and depict the theme of war and peace, a particularly meaningful subject for a church that was almost destroyed during the Second World War.

Inside the church you can also find funerary monuments dedicated to important figures in Dutch naval history, including Witte de With, Egbert Kortenaer and Johan van Brakel.

On Grotekerkplein, in front of the church, stands the famous statue of Erasmus, created by Hendrick de Keyser in the 17th century and one of Rotterdam’s best-known historic monuments.

Climb the tower of the Sint-Laurenskerk

One of the most interesting experiences when visiting the church is climbing the tower of the Laurenskerk.

From the top you can enjoy panoramic views across central Rotterdam, including the Markthal, the Cube Houses, Coolsingel and the city’s modern skyline.

Access to the tower is available on selected days and during certain periods of the year, so it is advisable to check the current opening times before your visit.

Sint-Laurenskerk: practical information

Watch a video with photos of this Rotterdam monument.

Other monuments in Rotterdam

Bibliotheek | Groot Handelsgebouw | Hoofdpostkantoor | Hotel New York | Kubuswoningen | Schielandshuis | ss Rotterdam | Stadhuis | Van Nelle | Watertoren | Witte Huis