's-Hertogenbosch (NB): St. Catharina- of Kruiskerk (J. Stuyt, 1916-1917)
The history of this church
goes back to the 16th century, when the church of the Kruisherenklooster, the monastery of the Crosiers,
was built on this location.
Of this church only the closure of the choir, built in 1533, which rests on a
bridge-like construction, and the 17th-century sacristy remain. The original church became protestant after the
capture of the city in 1629. In 1810 the building returned in catholic
hands, but in a very bad state. After it was demoilished, of course except
for that piece of the choir, a new church was built in 1844, designed by J.
de Kroon. This church didn't last for long. In 1915 it was demolished and in
1916-1917 the current church was built, designed by architect Jan Stuyt. The
design was inspired
by the Byzantine and Romanesque architecture the architect had
seen during a pilgrimage to Palestine, when especially the Hagia
Sophia in Constantinople had made a big impression on him. Central
part of the building is a 16-sided dome on an octagonal base.
This was one of the first reinforced concrete constructions in
The Netherlands. Two stair-turrets flank the front. Despite its
appearance the St. Catharina isn't a true centralizing church
as it has a conventional choir.
