Marekerk, Leiden
The Marekerk in Leiden, built in 1639. Photo © Sacred Destinations.
Closer look at the facade. Photo © Sacred Destinations.
Location map and aerial view of Marekerk. For a larger interactive view, see our Leiden Map.
The Marekerk is a 17th-century Protestant church in the city of Leiden.
History
Designed in 1639 by Arent van Gravesande, who also designed the De Lakenhal and the Bibliotheca Thysiana, the Marekerk was the first church to be built in Leiden after the Reformation. It was completed in 1650 and is still active today.
What to See
The Marekerk is built in the Dutch Classical style. The exterior features an interesting octagonal-shaped dome that is 55 meters high and a beautiful stone gate.
Inside, true to Protestant values, the pulpit is the centerpiece of the church. It is modeled after the one in the Nieuwe Kerk at Haarlem. The pulpit and other wooden furnishings all date from 1650 and are made of solid oak.
The organ was built by Pieter de Swart around 1560 for the Pieterskerk and moved to the Mareker in 1733. It has been renovated and enlarged several times, most recently in 1965.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Marekerk |
| Location: | Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Reformed |
| Category: | Churches |
| Architecture: | Dutch Classical |
| Date: | 1639-50 |
| Architect: | Arent van Gravesande |
| Status: | active |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Lange Mare 48, 2312 HS Leiden, Netherlands |
| Coordinates: | 52.162056° N, 4.490796° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Phone: | 071 5121208 |
| Website: | www.marekerk.nl |
| E-mail: | scriba@marekerk.nl |
| Services: | Sunday 10am and 5pm |
Travel Resources
- Leiden Map - our detailed interactive map of Leiden, plus hand-picked links to more
- Leiden Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Leiden Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
Article Sources
- Personal visit (November 2006; exterior only).
- Historical plaque at the church.
Last updated on August 9, 2010.
