Rotterdam - Grote Kerk or St Laurenskerk

From Beursplein the Hoogstraat runs east and comes to a flight of steps. Here, many centuries ago, a dam was constructed on the Rotte. Crossing the bridge and turning left, we come to one of the oldest parts of the town and one of the areas worst hit by the German bombing. Here, in Grote Kerkplein, is the Grote Kerk or St Laurenskerk, which dates from the 15th century (tower 1449, nave 1460, choir 1490; completed 1515). The church stands on very marshy ground, and even the heavy oak beams set at right angles to one another deep in the subsoil and the 4m/13ft thick foundations have been unable to prevent its 1.5m/5ft thick walls from developing a slight list. Around 1650 the tower began to tilt alarmingly, which led the municipal architect, Persoons, to rebuild its foundations, as can be seen from the extra thickness at the foot of the tower. The 1940 bombing caused heavy damage, leaving only the side walls and the tower still standing. Rebuilding began in 1952, and the transepts were completed in 1959, the choir in 1962 and the nave in 1968; the 23m/75ft high principal organ was installed in 1973; the modern subsidiary buildings were completed in 1981 and finally the 64m/210ft tower in 1986.