Construction of the New Church
After a special vision, the people of Delft started building the New Church in 1381. 'New' because another church already stood along Oude Delft: the Sint Hippolytuskerk, now called the Oude Kerk.
Basilica
The building history of the New Church spreads over about three centuries. Until 1384, a wooden 'makeshift' church dedicated to Mary stood on this spot. From then on, people started building a stone basilica around it. This was dedicated to Saint Ursula.
Cross shape
As with so many churches, the construction of the New Church proceeded in stages. In 1393, the foundation stone was laid for a transept. This was because the church was to have a cross shape: an important symbol for Christian believers.
Symbolism
After a devastating city fire, iconoclasms, the Delft Thunderclap (explosion of the cross) and several renovations, the Nieuwe Kerk was finished in 1655. Besides the symbolism of the cross shape, the church still contains references to the twelve apostles, the four evangelists and the sixteen prophets of the Bible.
Read more about the history of the New Church
Click below for more information.
Origin of the New Church
The origins of the New Church trace back to a curious story from the year 1351. The eccentric beggar Symon was sitting in his usual spot in the Market Square, getting some food from one Jan Col. Then something very special happened.
Construction of the New Church
After a special vision, the people of Delft started building the New Church in 1381. 'New' because another church already stood along Oude Delft: the Sint Hippolytuskerk, now called the Oude Kerk.
Previous restorations
Throughout time, the New Church has endured every possible adversity. Disasters, natural disasters, religious conflicts... Always the church was there. But: not without necessary maintenance and restorations.