Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk

In the heart of The Hague, the Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural prowess. This magnificent church, one of the oldest buildings in The Hague, shares its historical significance with landmarks like the Binnenhof and the Abbey Church of Loosduinen. Its towering presence and storied past make it an unmissable attraction for any visitor to the city.

The Historical Significance of Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk

The Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk, also known as the Great Church or St. James Church, dates back to the late Middle Ages. Its origins are intertwined with the Counts of Holland, who played a crucial role in its development. The church gained historical prominence in 1456 when it hosted a meeting of the Knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece. The knights left behind their coat of arms, adding to the church’s rich tapestry of history.

One of the church’s most distinctive features is its hexagonal tower, a rarity in the Netherlands. Completed in the first half of the 15th century, this 92.5-meter-high tower is the ninth tallest in the country. From its inception, the tower was equipped with a carillon that played hourly tunes, a tradition that continues to this day.

Architectural Marvels

The church’s design is a prime example of the Hague hall church style, with its broad nave and side aisles of equal height. Initially built as a cruciform church, the structure underwent significant changes between 1434 and 1455. The side aisles were widened and raised to the height of the central nave, transforming it into a hall church. This architectural evolution made the Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk a pioneering example of this style in the County of Holland.

The choir of the church was replaced in 1492 with a taller structure featuring a basilical form and an ambulatory. Despite various additions and modifications over the centuries, the church has retained its essential shape, standing as a monument to the architectural ingenuity of its time.

Surviving the Test of Time

In 1539, a lightning strike caused a devastating fire that damaged both the tower and the church. The community rallied to raise funds for the restoration, preserving the original form of the church. The fire also destroyed the stained glass windows, which were subsequently replaced by new ones donated by Emperor Charles V, the Bishop of Utrecht, and other benefactors. Two of these windows, the Annunciation Window (1541) and the Emperor Charles Window (1547), have survived and are attributed to the renowned artists Dirck and Wouter Crabeth.

Interior Treasures

The interior of the Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk is adorned with numerous historical artifacts. The 16th-century coats of arms of the Knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece, replaced after the 1539 fire, still grace the walls. These unique heraldic panels have been officially designated as protected cultural heritage items.

The church’s oak pulpit, crafted in 1550, is a masterpiece of Renaissance woodcarving, featuring panels depicting the four evangelists and John the Baptist. The pulpit’s intricate design includes figures with satyr heads and goat legs, supporting the structure, and a panel showing Moses holding the tablets of the law.

Among the notable monuments in the church is the cenotaph of Admiral Jacob van Wassenaer Obdam. The church also houses numerous memorial boards, including the impressive coat of arms of Lady Angenis Hooft, which was restored to the church in 2011.

The Chapels

The church once boasted twelve chapels, though only a few have survived. The Mariakapel and the Heilige Kruiskapel, dating from around 1490, still stand on either side of the ambulatory. The Van Assendelftkapel, built around 1455 by Knight Gerrit van Assendelft, is another surviving chapel. This family chapel, with its Renaissance-style tomb, is used today for chamber music concerts and weddings.

Modern-Day Use and Restoration

The Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk has undergone several restorations, the most extensive being between 1910 and 1921. These efforts have preserved the church’s historical integrity while adapting it for modern use. Today, the church is primarily used for cultural events, including organ concerts and exhibitions. Its ownership is divided between the Protestant Church, which owns the main building, and the municipality of The Hague, which owns the tower.

Visitors to The Hague should not miss the opportunity to explore the Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk. Its towering presence, rich history, and architectural beauty offer a glimpse into the past and a testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable city.