Sint Janskerk is a Gothic church in the Netherlands that is famous for its stained glass windows. It is the longest church in the country, with a length of 123 meters. Here are some information about this church that you might find useful:
Sint Janskerk was built in the 15th and 16th centuries and dedicated to John the Baptist, the patron saint of Gouda, the city where it is located. The church has 72 stained glass windows, also known as Goudse Glazen, that depict biblical and historical scenes. The windows were made by various artists, mainly by the brothers Dirk and Wouter Crabeth. The church also has a carillon with 50 bells, some of which date back to the 17th century.
Sint Janskerk’s Ticket
The entrance fee for the Sint Janskerk is €9.50 for adults, €7.50 for students and seniors, and €3.00 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free. The ticket includes an audio guide that explains the history and meaning of the stained glass windows.
The Sint Janskerk is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Sundays, the church is only open for worship services. The church may be closed on some holidays or for special events, so it is advisable to check the website before visiting.
How to get to the Sint Janskerk?
The Sint Janskerk is located on Achter de Kerk 2, 2801 JW Gouda. It is easily accessible by public transport or by car. By train, you can take a direct train from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, or The Hague to Gouda station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the church. By bus, you can take line 1 or 4 from Gouda station and get off at Vrijthof stop, which is right next to the church. By car, you can follow the signs to Gouda and park in one of the nearby parking garages.
Things to see at Sint Janskerk
The main attraction of the church is the stained glass windows, which cover an area of more than 1600 square meters. Each window has a different theme and style, ranging from religious to political to artistic. Some of the most famous windows are: The Last Judgment (window 1), The Calling of St Peter (window 5), The Liberation of Gouda (window 15), The Tree of Jesse (window 28), and The Glorification of Mary (window 31). You can also admire the architecture of the church, which has a nave with two aisles, a transept with two chapels, and a choir with an ambulatory and radiating chapels. The church also has several organs, including a large organ from 1736 that is still used for concerts.
Sint Janskerk’s Tips
To make the most of your visit, you should plan to spend at least an hour in the church. You can use the audio guide to learn more about each window or join a guided tour if available. You can also buy a booklet or a souvenir at the gift shop. If you want to see more of Gouda, you can also visit other attractions nearby, such as the cheese market, the town hall, or the museum.
Sint Janskerk’s Tours
There are several options for tours in and around the Sint Janskerk. You can book a private tour with a guide who will show you around the church and tell you more about its history and art. You can also join a group tour that combines a visit to the church with other sights in Gouda. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or a boat and explore the city on your own.
Sint Janskerk’s Prohibitions
There are some rules that you need to follow when visiting the church. You are not allowed to take photos or videos inside the church without permission. You are also not allowed to touch or lean on the windows or other objects. You should respect the silence and avoid making noise or disturbing other visitors or worshippers. You should also dress appropriately and cover your shoulders and knees.
