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Marekerk Leiden, Netherlands

Designed in 1639 for a Protestant congregation, the Marekerk is a good example of Dutch Classicism.

Marekerk, Leiden
Leiden, The Netherlands. Image credit: Holly Hayes

Overview
old-fashioned flower design element

The Marekerk is a 17th-century Protestant church in the city of Leiden.

History
old-fashioned flower design element

Designed in 1639 by Arent van Gravesande, who also designed the De Lakenhal and the Bibliotheca Thysiana, the Marekerk was the first church to be built in Leiden after the Reformation. It was completed in 1650 and is still active today.

Description
old-fashioned flower design element

The Marekerk is built in the Dutch Classical style. The exterior features an interesting octagonal-shaped dome that is 55 meters high and a beautiful stone gate.

Inside, true to Protestant values, the pulpit is the centerpiece of the church. It is modeled after the one in the Nieuwe Kerk at Haarlem. The pulpit and other wooden furnishings all date from 1650 and are made of solid oak.

The organ was built by Pieter de Swart around 1560 for the Pieterskerk and moved to the Mareker in 1733. It has been renovated and enlarged several times, most recently in 1965.