Middelburg Abbey Church

Middelburg, Netherlands

The Premonstratensian abbey in Middelburg was founded in 1127. Most of the buildings were destroyed by fire in 1492 and 1568. Today there are two adjacent churches, Koorkerk and Nieuwe Kerk. The Nieuwe Kerk dates from the 16th century, with the nearby Koorkerk abbey church dating from the 14th century. The octagonal tower, known as Lange Jan (Tall John), also originally dating from the 14th century but unfortunately has burned down several times. Its 91m height dominates the city but is difficult to photograph because of the surrounding buildings.

Address

Koorkerkhof 3, Middelburg, Netherlands

See all sites in Middelburg

Details

Founded: 1127
Category: Religious sites in Netherlands

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Oostkerk (0,5 km)

Belfry of Bruges (42,2 km)
Historic Centre of Brugge (42,2 km)
Basilica of the Holy Blood (42,1 km)
Church of Our Lady (42,5 km)
St Nicholas' Church (50,1 km)
Belfry of Ghent (50,2 km)
Gravensteen (49,7 km)
St Michael's Church (50,1 km)
Groeningemuseum (42,4 km)

User Reviews

Nathania Velasquez (13 months ago)
Definitely recommend going all the way to the top! It’s only €4 I believe but so worth it. The view is amazing and on Sundays it’s not too crowded in the city center..

Kamila Król (14 months ago)
It took me a moment to climb on the top :) but then I could see a nice view of Middelburg.

Olga Loginova (15 months ago)
Harry Potter vibe! When I climbed, I received a wooden stick to count the visitors, almost a wand, together with a gothic interior and the view over the abbey it created the mood. Stairs are not too dangerous, but it’s better to walk slowly.

Pierre Van der merwe (16 months ago)
A must see in the area, climbing the tower is a good challenge but worthwhile. Nostalgic!

John Heijmans (2 years ago)
Nice building but it hasn't a whow factor

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Timeless Treasures of Wales

Gothic Cathedrals of Belgium

Migthy Cathar Castles

Photo from Flickr, copyright joiseyshowaa

Historic Site of the week

Broch of Gurness

The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village. Settlement here began sometime between 500 and 200 BC. At the centre of the settlement is a stone tower or broch, which once probably reached a height of around 10 metres. Its interior is divided into sections by upright slabs. The tower features two skins of drystone walls, with stone-floored galleries in between. These are accessed by steps. Stone ledges suggest that there was once an upper storey with a timber floor. The roof would have been thatched, surrounded by a wall walk linked by stairs to the ground floor. The broch features two hearths and a subterranean stone cistern with steps leading down into it. It is thought to have some religious significance, relating to an Iron Age cult of the underground.

The remains of the central tower are up to 3.6 metres high, and the stone walls are up to 4.1 metres thick.