Laurentius Church

The Laurentius Church or Great Church in the South Holland town of Bergambacht is a single-aisle hall church with transept-like side chapels. The church mainly dates from the 17th to the 19th century, but the history of the building goes back further.

The first church in Bergambacht was built at the end of the 13th century or the beginning of the 14th century. This church was enlarged in the 15th century but was destroyed by Gelderland troops in 1512. A new church with a tower was then built. This church also faced significant hardships over time. In 1576, the church was looted and partially destroyed during the iconoclasm. In 1674, the church was severely damaged by a hurricane, leading to the loss of the choir. The church was closed off on the east side. More than a hundred years later, the remnants of the choir were cleared. In 1891, the church and tower were partially destroyed by a fire. They were then rebuilt. The church contains elements from earlier construction periods. In the 1960s, the tower received its current pyramid-shaped crown. In the 1970s, the church was extensively restored in a Gothic style. The organ was made in the early 20th century by the Gabry company from Gouda. The tower clock belongs to the clockwork of the Eijsbouts company.

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