Share this page
The Bovenkerk church or St. Nicolaas church is the oldest church in Kampen, as well as the most striking feature along the IJssel landscape. This large, gothic cross-basilica was built in the 14th century. The impressive Bovenkerk church has a steeple with clocks cast by clock caster Geert van Wou, in 1481/1482. Prominent citizens of Kampen have been buried in the church, such as the painter Hendrick Avercamp. The monumental church has many visitors each year.
This national monument, the Nieuwe Toren (New Tower) is three-and-a-half centuries old. This beautiful tower can be ascended for a beautiful view of the historic part of the city of Kampen. The tower has a carillon that was cast for the most part by the famous François Hemony and supplemented with clocks by the clock casters of Kampen, Geert van Wou and Kilian Wegewaert. Today, the New Tower, with currently 48 clocks, can be heard regularly.
Playtimes: the city’s carilloneur Frans Haagen plays every Monday from 11.00 to 12.00 o’clock (during the weekly market) and every Saturday from 15.00 to 16.00 o’clock. In summer, concerts are held on Friday evenings from 19.30 to 20.30 o’clock.
The New Tower is open on special holidays. The tower can also be ascended and visited on appointment. The entrance is at Oudestraat 146.
Buitenkerk church or Our Lady church
The Buitenkerk church or Our Lady church is an important part of the city front of Kampen. The church has a turbulent history due to its deterioration and risk of collapse. Since a thorough restauration that took place in 1977, the Outer Church is back in full use. This second parish church of Kampen is dedicated to Mary and its construction started in 1369 by commission of master builder Rutger van Ceulen. The shape of the church, with its three halls (a hall church), makes the Outer Church unique in the Netherlands.