Vianen
(U): reformed church
In 1327 a chapel was built in
Vianen, which at that time belonged to
the parish of Gasperden, the current Hagestein. About two decades later
the chapel was rebuilt into a church, although Vianen didn't become a
full parish until 1435. The oldest part of the current church is the
tower, or better, its lower three segments.
These date from the early-14th century and are detailed in
late-Romanesque style. Remarkable is the gate in the lower segment,
square on the actual portal. The
undetailed fourth segment was added shortly after 1345. The
upper segment was added after 1433; decorated with layers of natural
stone.
The church in its original form was a three-aisled pseudo-basilica.
After 1433 it was modified to its current size. The side-aisles were
widened and heigthened and given large windows. the choir was
lengthened and given lateral choirs. At the north side a portal was
built.
After a great fire destroyed much of Vianen in 1540. The church was
rebuilt to its current shape. The nave and the choir were heightened
and a
transept was added. The number of traves of the nave as reduced to
three, and the side-aisles were given tall gables with large windows,
turning the nave into a hall-church of the The Hague hall-type. Traces
indicate that some of the windows were originally even bigger. In 1566
the church was confiscated by the protestants who have used it ever
since.
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