St Laurens Church

The construction of the church was started in  1412. The tower was completed in two phases. The first was started in 1449. The second phase in 1548. During the 17th century a wooden top was placed on the tower, a design by Hendrick de Keyser. This was removed in 1645. The tower started tilting. Under direction of city architect Persoons the tower was put straight again. the church is a late gothic church. In 1940 the church was severly damaged and only the tower was left in tact. Between 1951 and 1968 thechurch was reconstructed. The tower was restored later. The church has three Marcussen organs, the main organ being the largest in its kind in Europe. Open Tue-Sat 10-17 hrs.  From April thr October the tower can be climbed on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Church organ can be heard throughout the year as the church is the venue for a large number of organ concerts. See website for dates: laurenskerkrotterdam.nl On the square in front of the church you find the statue of the Rotterdam born humanist, theologist and philosopher Desiderius Erasmus (1469-1536). Although Erasmus only lived in Rotterdam for 4 years and never cameback, he is still honoured as one of the city's most famous sons. The statue dates from 1622 and was cast to a design by Hendrick de Keyser. Address: Grote Kerkplein 1 Getting there: Metro Stations Beurs or Blaak (5 minute walk)