Workum Attractions
Commune: Nijefurd
In the early medieval period Workum was situated on the coast of the Zuiderzee, but moved farther inland in the 14th century. In the 15th century it was a considerable port and trading town, and was also famed for its brown and green pottery and its decorated faience.
In the early medieval period Workum was situated on the coast of the Zuiderzee, but moved farther inland in the 14th century. In the 15th century it was a considerable port and trading town, and was also famed for its brown and green pottery and its decorated faience.
Sights
Among features of interest in Workum are St Werenfriduskerk, a neo-Gothic pseudo-basilica (1877); the Doopsgezinde Vermaning, a Mennonite church disguised as a barn (1694); the Gothic Town Hall, rebuilt in the 18th century; the red brick Weigh House (Waag; 1650) in the Markt; the De Hoop shipyard, where historic old vessels are restored; a tjasker mill, the only windmill of this type in Friesland which is still working; and old houses with stepped gables along the rivers Súd and Noard.
St Geertruidskerk
The Grote Kerk (St Geertruidskerk) is the largest medieval cruciform basilica in Friesland, with a free-standing tower. Construction of the church began in 1550 with the choir. The main features in the interior are the choir screen (16th C.), the organ (17th C.) and the carved wooden pulpit (18th C.). Of particular interest, too, are the richly painted biers of the various guilds in the aisles.
