Broerekerk Ruins, Bolsward, Netherlands

The Broerekerk was built as part of a Franciscan monastery founded in 1270. The church was built in two phases, starting in 1281, and was probably completed in 1313, which makes it the oldest building in Bolsward. It's a three-aisled pseudo-basilica in simple Gothic style. On the north side the gable of a pseudo-transept can just be seen. The facade is the richest part of the church, and is decorated with a climbing frieze. In 1980 the roof and the wooden vaults were destroyed by fire.

References:

Archimon

User Reviews

Emilia Stammler (11 months ago)
Broerekerk, located in the town of Bolsward in the Netherlands, is a fascinating blend of history and modern architecture. Originally built in the 13th century, this old Franciscan church suffered severe fire damage in 1980. Instead of letting it fall to ruins, a striking glass roof was added in 2006, transforming it into a unique and atmospheric ruin.

Bert van Dyk (2 years ago)
One of the oldest buildings in town, after a fire not restored but covered with a glass roof Sometimes used for weddings

lilian dijkema (5 years ago)
Turn, turn, turn, there's a time for everything

Ad Vervoorn (5 years ago)
Burned down in the 1980s, later fitted with a glass roof. Nice location for photos. A living nativity scene at Christmas.

Geart Bakker (6 years ago)
Fascinating ruins of ages gone by. Take a good look at some of the grave stones located on the floor in back of the church. Some dating back to the early 17th century. The fountain in front of the church (named "The Bat") is one of 11 fountains in 11 different cities in Friesland.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Broerekerk Ruins

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople