Tholen (Z): reformed
church or Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk

Tholen's reformed church is
a big building in Brabant Gothic style, except for the tower
which is built in a style exclusive to Zeeland, most notably
to the islands of Noord- and Zuid-Beveland.
The church was founded in the 13th century, and a chapter was
attached to it in 1404. The church was then still named Onze
Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady). A great fire destroyed
most of the town in 1452, including the church. In 1460 the rebuilt
was started, which was ended in the early 16th century. The choir
was never finished, and is now seperated from the rest of the
church by a wall. It's currently being restored. The nave has
stone vaults, which explains the presence of flying buttresses
on the outside, something which isn't very common in this part
of the country.
In 1577 the church was confiscated by the protestants and has
remained in their possesion ever since. |