Sint-Lievensmonstertoren
Zeeland
The Sint-Lievensmonstertoren, also known as the Dikke Toren or Fat Tower, is a 62-meter tall unfinished church tower located in Zierikzee, Zeeland, Netherlands. Construction began in 1454 under the design of Andries I Keldermans in the Brabantine Gothic style, with work continued by his son Antoon I and grandson Rombout II Keldermans. The tower was intended to reach an extraordinary height between 130 and 204 meters, which would have made it the tallest church tower in the world. However, construction halted around 1530 due to a financial crisis and the loss of building materials. The tower stands on a large base measuring 24.5 by 24.5 meters and is built with millions of bricks from nearby regions, clad in expensive Brabantine white sandstone. The adjacent Sint-Lievenskerk church was destroyed by fire in 1832, leaving the tower as a solitary landmark. Over the centuries, the tower underwent several restorations, including major works in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, preserving its rich decorative elements and structural integrity. Today, it is a Rijksmonument and a symbol of Zierikzee's medieval heritage, featuring a monument commemorating the 1304 sea battle on the Gouwe.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to explore the tower during the warmer months for the best experience. Although the tower is a prominent landmark, check local information for opening hours and guided tours. Purchasing tickets or arranging visits in advance may be beneficial during peak tourist seasons. Visitors should be aware that the tower is a protected monument, and certain areas may be restricted for preservation purposes.
Faits intéressants
- •The tower was planned to be up to 204 meters tall, which would have made it the tallest church tower in the world at the time.
- •Millions of bricks were used in construction, sourced from regions including Dordrecht, Rotterdam, and Gouda.
- •The tower is clad with Brabantine white sandstone, a costly material from around Brussels.
- •During World War II, the tower was heavily damaged by allied artillery because German forces used it as an observation point.
- •A monument inside the tower commemorates the 1304 sea battle on the Gouwe, created by Eric Claus in 1976.
Histoire
Construction of the Sint-Lievensmonstertoren began in 1454 under Andries I Keldermans and was continued by his descendants.
The foundation work alone took about 25 years, with delays caused by a city fire in 1466.
Originally planned to be between 130 and 204 meters tall, construction stopped around 1530 due to economic decline and loss of materials.
The adjacent Sint-Lievenskerk was destroyed by fire in 1832, leaving the tower standing alone.
The tower became state property in 1881, followed by restoration efforts from 1883 to 1897 and again between 1957 and 1972.
It suffered damage during World War II from allied artillery fire but was subsequently repaired and preserved as a national monument.
Guide du lieu
The Tower Base and Foundation1454-1479
The massive foundation measures 24.5 by 24.5 meters including buttresses, built to support the originally planned massive height. The foundation work took about 25 years to complete, highlighting the engineering challenges of the era.
Brabantine Gothic FacadeLate 15th to early 16th century
The tower features rich decorative elements typical of the Keldermans family style, including intricate stone carvings and the use of expensive Brabantine white sandstone from near Brussels, which gives the tower its distinctive appearance.
Bell House and Roof16th century; restored 1957-1972
Atop the tower is a bell house with a protective roof built in the 16th century, replacing the originally planned spire. The current roof was reconstructed between 1957 and 1972 to resemble the earlier bell house, topped with a ship-shaped weather vane symbolizing the maritime heritage of Zierikzee.
Monument to the 1304 Sea Battle1976
Installed in 1976 inside the tower, this sculpture by Eric Claus from Amsterdam commemorates the historic sea battle on the Gouwe in 1304, an important event in the region's history.
Contact
Téléphone: 06 40475160
