Zwolle - Grote Kerk or St Michaëlskerk

In the Grote Markt is the 15th century Grote Kerk or St Michaëlskerk (Reformed). In the fine interior is a richly carved pulpit (1622) by Adam Straes of Weilburg in Hesse, who apparently felt it necessary to add an inscription explaining that in carving the brutal and sensual faces of the characters depicted he had no evil intentions. The organ is a world-famous instrument by Arp Schnitger (early 18th C.) with four manuals and 4,000 pipes. Below it is the beautiful Consistory Room (1690), which contains a group portrait of the five pastors and the sexton of the church. In the choir can be seen the tomb of the painter Gerard Terborch (1617-81), who was a native of Zwolle.