Sint Willibrordkerk
Sint Willibrordkerk
4.5
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Neighborhood: Neude Janskerkhof en Domplein
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
87 reviews
Excellent
61
Very good
21
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Arun S
23 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
You wouldn't expect a catholic church to be built in such a grand style in Utrecht, in the Netherlands. This after all - is majority protestant in the lands "above the river", and yet, here we are..
I lived in the neighbourhood of Utrecht for years, and never knew. It was - as are all catholic churches - "well hidden in plain view". Such churches were also called "Schuilkerken" - or hidden churches. They were designed to look like villas on the outside, but were churches on the inside.. So too this church.
It's been recently purchased by a French order, and mass is celebrated in the traditional latin. So if you'd like to see mass as it used to be celebrated in the 14th century, head down here. its quite an experience
I lived in the neighbourhood of Utrecht for years, and never knew. It was - as are all catholic churches - "well hidden in plain view". Such churches were also called "Schuilkerken" - or hidden churches. They were designed to look like villas on the outside, but were churches on the inside.. So too this church.
It's been recently purchased by a French order, and mass is celebrated in the traditional latin. So if you'd like to see mass as it used to be celebrated in the 14th century, head down here. its quite an experience
Written August 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vidosmum
Utrecht, The Netherlands174 contributions
Aug 2019
This church is a briliant example of neo-gothic/gothic revival style, popular in the 1880-1900. For those used to white, sombre, strict-lined church design, it will come as an explosion of colours, patterns, mosaics and forms - really beautiful!
Written September 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helen M
Dublin, Ireland152 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
I usually consider Catholic churches to be far too gaudy but this one, although every inch is decorated, is fantastic! There are some absolutely stunning details. I particularly liked our guide's explanation of the font's location. The unbaptised baby is brought into a small area at the side of the door; baptised, then brought through a different door into the church proper.
Written May 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jen B
Utrecht, The Netherlands1 contribution
Sep 2018 • Solo
Don't let its unassuming facade fool you; this church is absolutely breathtaking inside. From the detailed woodwork and stained class to the painted stations of the cross and ornately painted walls, this church is a must see. It's so tranquil inside; it's nice to just sit and look up at the ceiling. Historically, Utrecht was the center of the catholic church until the Protestants rolled in and destroyed the vast majority of it. This church was built in 1875, well after the Protestant Reformation. I think it's the most beautiful church in Utrecht, if not the whole of the Netherlands, and I have seen many. Highly recommend.
Written September 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rb1414
Chiang Mai, Thailand90 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Right, if you do nothing else in Utrecht, go to this church. I don't do religion but I do churches and cathedrals and this pushing towards the Premier league title of "hidden gem" churches.
This is a must-do.
This is a must-do.
Written July 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MijnlieverdFH
North Holland Province, The Netherlands4,206 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This is a Roman Catholic Church and a “Rijkmonument” – a national heritage site of the Netherlands.
One may not find It at once but please take the effort and you will discover a gem. It looks simple and plain outside yet has a great contrast with the elaborate and colorful interior. Almost all the walls are painted; the wood carvings and the stained glass windows depicting the life of Sint Willibrurd are awesome.
I was awed when I got inside the church by it beauty and amazing wood carved altar and the pulpit. It’s so close to the Dom Tower and Saint Martin Cathedral. You will be surprised when you are in this church.
A hidden gem...Amazing!
One may not find It at once but please take the effort and you will discover a gem. It looks simple and plain outside yet has a great contrast with the elaborate and colorful interior. Almost all the walls are painted; the wood carvings and the stained glass windows depicting the life of Sint Willibrurd are awesome.
I was awed when I got inside the church by it beauty and amazing wood carved altar and the pulpit. It’s so close to the Dom Tower and Saint Martin Cathedral. You will be surprised when you are in this church.
A hidden gem...Amazing!
Written April 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Louise B
Sydney, Australia92 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
We passed by this church many times before we actually went in as from the exterior there isn't much to recommend it. However, just a few steps inside and you are transported to a very special place indeed. The interiors are intricately hand painted with greens and golds and burgundy. Soaring stained glass dresses the windows. And in front of the alter is the most beautiful feature - a suspended cross with the 12 Apostles and Jesus. Truly beautiful. The volunteers who welcomed us were very informative and justly proud and protective of this gorgeous place of worship but also of art and spiritual design. A pleasure to spend time in these lovely surrounds.
Written October 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sophie040
Wellington, UK135 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
I was told it is the most decorated church in the Netherlands, possibly in Europe and I believe them, it is magnificent.
Written August 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
slheath64
Houston, TX24 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
No cost to visit this beautiful church while in Uterch. The artistry makes you feel young and spiitual.
Written August 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sayang11
Johor Bahru, Malaysia183 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
It's a shame that this gem of a church is neither well known nor well-advertised. We found only one website that mentioned it and we decided to visit it because it was so close to Dom tower. The exterior is nondescript brick and we actually walked past it the first time and had to backtrack to find it. There is a small sign so look out for it. Once inside though, we were pleasantly surprised at how gorgeous the interior was. Both of us went "Wow!" as we were bowled over by the glowing colours and intricate Catholic imagery that filled every nook and cranny, from floor to ceiling. What made our day was the love that the caretakers and volunteers had for the church; they acted as guides to visitors, providing valuable information about its creator and construction, and even the politics. If you enjoyed what you heard and saw, you can buy a reasonably priced booklet with beautiful pictures and historical /architectural details of the church too. Please note visiting days and hours are currently limited to only Fri (1.30-4) and Sat (11-4).
Written July 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Matthew P
Chicago, Illinois, United States3 contributions
Why is the Church closed on Mondays? The place looks beautiful and I'm happy to support the SSPX who now cares for this church, but I arrived on a Monday to find it closed. Why would a church be closed?
banana1151174645
Tokyo, Japan
I'm going to go to holland next weekend.
I'd like to visit this church on Sunday.
So I'd like to know what time this church is opened on Sunday. I'm looking forward to replying from someone who knows about time.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC5,818 contributions
I' m sorry I don't know the answer to your question. I just happened to pass by this church and saw the door opened so I excitedly visited it. Perhaps you could see if they have a website that could help you. Good luck!
Sint Willibrordkerk (Utrecht) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Sint Willibrordkerk
- Hotels near Sint Willibrordkerk:
- (0.06 mi) The Nox
- (0.08 mi) Mother Goose Hotel
- (0.05 mi) NH Centre Utrecht
- (0.13 mi) Stayokay Hostel Utrecht Centrum
- (0.07 mi) Hotel Dom
- Restaurants near Sint Willibrordkerk:
- (0.01 mi) Hola Empanadas
- (0.02 mi) Poke Perfect
- (0.02 mi) KARAF Food & Drinks
- (0.03 mi) Ruby Rose
- (0.04 mi) Sevilla