The Protestant Laurentius Church is nestled sweetly in the greenery, hidden behind a high wall. The history of this monument dates back to the 12th century and its foundation is attributed to the Abbess of Thorn. Originally there was a wooden chapel, which was replaced by a stone chapel with a tower around 1400. Construction of a larger Gothic church against the existing tower began in 1480.
.
During the siege by the Spanish in 1625, the church was largely destroyed. Reconstruction began in 1628 and was completed in 1632. When visiting, pay particular attention to the extraordinary stained-glass windows by artist Charles Eyck.
.
Next to the church are two monuments commemorating Generals Chassé and Seelig, who were involved in the defense of the citadel in Antwerp between 1830 and 1832. Under the Chassé monument is a crypt in which 124 fallen soldiers are interred. The monument was unveiled by King William III on November 30, 1874, in the presence of his two sons and many dignitaries.
Tour
Tours of the church are ongoing with information about the history of the building and monuments outside the church.
Image exhibition
This time there are once again new sculptures by Ludovicus van Eijnatte in and around the Protestant Laurentius Church in Ginneken on Duivelsbruglaan. Also this year five works, 3 of which are inside and 2 outside in natural stone. The sculpture ‘Cathedral of the soul’ made of bluestone stands on the lawn between the wall of Duivelsbruglaan and the church. ‘Moon Sign’ made of granite and bluestone can be seen in the sanctuary of the cemetery Oud Ginneken. There are also 4 sculptures that have been given a permanent place in the Laurentiushof and in the two niches of the cemetery. Inside the church there are three works . ‘Eternal cycle’from bluestone and ‘Wording’from dolomite with in the middle ‘Circle of light’ from alabaster. The sculptures in the church on the choir catch the light through the surrounding high windows. Especially ‘Circle of Light’ works translucent.