Basilica of St. Plechelm, Oldenzaal, Netherlands

The basilica of St. Plechelm is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the 8th-century Irish monk Saint Plechelm, whose festival on 15 July has been on the calendar of the medieval diocese of Utrecht ever since his canonisation in the 10th century.

The oldest parts of the existing building date from the middle and the second half of the 12th century, but the history of the church goes back to the 8th century, when the traveling missionary Plechelmus founded the first church on the site, the Silvesterkerk, initially dedicated to pope Silvester and sometime before 954 rededicated to Plechelmus himself (canonised after the elevation of his relics).

In 954, bishop Balderik of Utrecht founded a chapter in Oldenzaal and expanded and restored the 8th-century church, allowing the relics of Plechelmus used on his canonisation to be transferred to it. The current tower was erected around 1240. The church was enlarged in Gothic style in 1480s.

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User Reviews

Amine Boushaq (5 years ago)
Wonderful Church to visit. It is located in the city center and there are plenty of shops next to you. Also, you can go up to the Church and get an amazing view of the city. I didn't go up, so I have no idea about the prices.

Paulo Numero Uno (5 years ago)
Did you know that this is the second largest church of the Netherlands? You can even climb the tower to the top. Magnificent view!

Paul Christenhusz (5 years ago)
The BestNL church. I have seen a lot and lived in Utrecht for 20 yrs. Ozaal numero Uno by far!!!

Gertjan Kuipers (6 years ago)
Home sweet home

Stan C. Akubuo (6 years ago)
Wonderful and amazing archtechural design, one of the oldest Catholic church in the Netherlands. Always good to be here

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