Saint Martin's Church

After the Catholic faith was once again allowed to be professed, there was an euphoric construction of Roman Catholic churches. In close proximity, three large Catholic churches were built within thirty years: the St. Laurentius Church in Stompwijk, the St. Martinus Church in Voorburg, and the St. Peter and Paul Church in Leidschendam. All three were designed by architect E.J. (Evert) Margry (1841-1891).
The St. Martinus Church, consecrated in 1893, was built on the grounds of the former 17th-century estate of Bijvliet. For a long time, secret Catholic services were held at Bijvliet. During the Protestant Reformation, initiated in 1517 by Luther, there was no tolerance towards other religions in the Republic of the United Netherlands (1588-1795). One was not allowed to profess one's faith openly and clergy were severely persecuted. Later, Catholic services were tacitly permitted again, but the building was not allowed to look like a church from the outside. That people were still aware of these services at Blijvliet is evident from the fact that they referred to it as The House with the Pope Church.
The estate itself was demolished in 1774.

Open Monumentendag Leidschendam-Voorburg