Grote Kerk Vianen

In the 13th century, Hubrecht van Vianen founded a chapel. This fell under the mother church in Hagestein and grew rapidly. In 1345, it became a parish church and was granted marriage and burial rights. However, this required paying an annual sum of money to the church in Hagestein. In the 14th century, the chapel was replaced by a single-nave church. Due to a feud between Vianen and Hagestein, the bishop of Utrecht decided to split the two churches in 1433.

In the mid-15th century, the church was replaced by a three-aisled Gothic hall church, equal in area to the current church (including the tower, it is 77.5 metres long, 43 metres wide and 41 metres high). Since the church also contains the family tomb of the lords of Vianen, it had to match the Brederodes' distinguished status in terms of size and appearance.

After a fire in 1540, the church was almost immediately rebuilt in its current form (a combination of hall church and cross church) with the support of Reinoud III van Brederode. Under his son Hendrik van Brederode, the church was reformed. On 25 September 1566, the Roman Catholic establishment disappeared and the first Protestant preaching took place on 1 October.

Tower climbing is (sometimes) possible, but only if it is not raining (€2.50 pp).

Free entry, please donate for restoration of altar table. At concerts and evensongs collection at the exit
Guided tours and visits outside opening hours: 06 46625121

Read also Kerk Hagestein, Grave monument Grote Kerk, Statue Brederode, Castle grounds Hagestein, Gasthuiskapel and Burcht Vianen.