Nederland - Naarden, Grote Kerk

The Grote Kerk is a late-Gothic cross basilica, located in Naarden Vesting, one of the most beautiful fortresses in the Netherlands. Prior to the Protestant Reformation it was named St. Vitus Kerk.

The tower with an eight-sided spire - 73 meters high - is the oldest part of the church and a remnant of a predecessor of the current church, which was built between 1380 and 1440. The present cross basilica with ambulatory and strikingly low transepts was the result of an extension between 1455 and 1518. In this period the church was destroyed by fire in 1468 and 1481.

The side aisles have stone vaults, but the central nave is covered by an oak barrel vault, which was painted between 1510 and 1518 with scenes from the Old and New Testament. The oak choir fence from 1531 with rich renaissance carving also dates from the time before the Reformation.

The church is managed by a foundation (Stichting Grote Kerk Naarden) and is still used for services of the Protestant Community of Naarden. In addition, events and concerts are held there. The church is very well known known for the annual performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion by the Netherlands Bach Society on Good Friday.