St. Eusebius' Church, Arnhem, Netherlands

St. Eusebius church is named after the 4th-century saint Eusebius, Bishop of Vercelli. On the site of the present building initially stood a church dedicated to St. Martinus but after some relics of St. Eusebius arrived in the town during the early part of the 15th century, it was decided to build a new church dedicated to the saint at the old site. This new structure gradually replaced the old building over the next century, commencing when Arnold, Duke of Egmond laid the first stone in 1452.

The church was extensively damaged during the Second World War following Operation Market Garden in 1944. When the battle over the bridge that crosses the Rhine occurred, between paratroopers under the command of British Lieutenant-Colonel John Dutton Frost and the Germans, the church was completely burnt out. Later the tower, weakened by the fire, collapsed entirely.

Following the war the church was restored between 1946 and 1961. It is no longer used for religious services but rather is a tourist attraction, specifically commemorating the bravery of the paratroopers of the Allied forces who attempted to isolate the Germans by capturing the bridge across the river Nederrijn.

In 1994 the municipality of Arnhem commissioned an elevator to be placed in the church tower. Visitors can pay a small fee and ride up the elevator past all of the array of bell and into the loft of the church, from where tourist binoculars or the naked eye can be used to survey a 360 degree view of the surrounding city.

Visitors are also able to enter the crypt below the building. This part of the building has only very dim light in a central part. By carefully exploring a number of darkened cavernous areas, most of which are either barred as if being a part of old gaol cells, or in some cases as clearly exhumed shallow graves, the visitor can find ancient human bones which have been left in the state of their burial or death.

User Reviews

Sanet Gerber (17 months ago)
Very beautiful, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. The staff were very helpful and very friendly. Everything was clean and well kept. I loved the tour.

Michael Lidell (2 years ago)
St. Eusebius church should be included as part of any visit to Arnhem. The view from the church tower is impressive and overlooks important World War II battle sites related to Operation Market Garden. The glass balconies attached to the tower provide a very unique perspective. The church building is decorated with whimsical stone statues of microorganisms.

Yvonne Jenner (2 years ago)
The church history was great. It was displayed in the grave chambers. It is well worth the fee (15 euros) to get in. Also, that money will go towards the daily expenses for the church/foundation. The view from the top was amazing as well. Take out 60-90 minutes of your visit to experience it all.

Didi Annandale (2 years ago)
Was such a cool experience. I would recommend going up to the top with the glass floor. If you're scared of heights.. Maybe don't go as even the walkway is slightly exposed. The elevator ride was an experience on its own. The history about the battle of Arnhem was interesting and the displays were uniquely set up. The walk around the church was fast but interesting, however my favorite was the underground section. The displays of the bones and the old colums were a nice little extra tour. Try go when it's not to busy as it gets crowded on the glass walkway, and only around 4 Ppl can for at a time.

Victor Inada (2 years ago)
Really great! The first time I was able to go to the top of such tall church tower! And the glass balconies are the best part. The audio guide was great too, I was able to learn a lot from the city and church. It is a good idea to have the museum card.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Christian Lauw

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