Nederland - Appingedam, Nicolaïkerk

The Nicolaïkerk (Nicolai Church) is a hall church with three naves, built in a Romano-Gothic style. This church is the biggest in the province of Groningen, apart from the Martini-church and the A-church which are situated in the city of Groningen.

The building of the church was completed in seven phases between approximately 1200 and 1560. Its construction closely followed the development of Appingedam, the most important harbour in the province of Groningen during the Middle Ages. In the first instance a hall-church was built between 1200 and 1225, consisting of the two first bays of the nave with dome-shaped vaults and a tower.
After several enlargements and addtions, the church became its current shape. The outside measurements are approximately: length = 48 meters, width = 28 meters and from the top of the vault to the floor 13 meters in height.

The first tower of the church was built on the west-side. Mid 16th century that tower was demolished because it was thought that it caused too much pressure on the building. A new built tower was demolished in 1835 due to its condition. The present tower clashes somewhat with the church building.

Originally the church was dedicated to Maria, but changed early in the 15th century to St. Nicholas, patron saint of the sailors and merchants. The Nicolaïkerk is s Dutch national heritage site since 1968 and one of the top 100 sites in the Netherlands.