De Heilooer Witte Kerk, North Holland Province, The Netherlands

4.5 (8 reviews) Spent < 1 hour Ranking #4 in Heiloo Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Heiloo’s Witte Kerk (White Church)

A quaint former church built between 11 & 17th century with a fascinating history. The tower’s owned by the Municipality & the church by a Foundation. The well next to the church has an amazing history too...

Address

Heerenweg 32 Witte Kerk Heiloo naast winkelcentrum "Het Loo", 1851 KS Heiloo The Netherlands

Website

http://www.wittekerkheiloo.nl

Current local date and time now

Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 15:18

User Ratings

4.5 based on (8 reviews)

Reviews

3Robert O 5:00 PM Oct 14, 2022
White to hide the scars of turbulent history
The original medieval church was set fire to in 1574 by Dutch rebels (geuzen) instructed by William of Orange to prevent Spanish troops using the building as a shelter. This was part of his scorched earth policy which caused havoc in the region (e.g. also the church in Bergen was turned into a ruin). Through times the church was restored and enlarged. Even the tower was made higher. In order to hide segments of different materials and alterations the church was painted white. This occured end 19th century and ever since the church is called 'witte kerk'.