Gouda - Grote Kerk (St Janskerk)

A little way south of the Markt stands the Grote Kerk or St Janskerk (Reformed), which dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. Measuring 123m/404ft long by 45m/148ft wide, it is the largest church in the Netherlands. The first church on the site was built in the early 13th century, badly damaged in a great fire in the town in 1361 and rebuilt in the form of a hall- church (i.e. with aisles of the same height as the nave). After two further fires in 1438 and 1552 only the choir remained unscathed. Later the present cruciform basilica with a belfry was built (restored 1964-80).