Great (St. Gertrude) church

The Great Church, or Grote of Sint Gertrudiskerk, rises over the market square of Workum, a small town on the Frisian coast of the former Zuiderzee. It is a large Gothic church of brick, among the more imposing medieval churches in the province, and its size shows how prosperous Workum was in the late Middle Ages, when it was a trading town with its own harbour and a share in the lucrative commerce of the sea. The square in front of it, known as the Merk, is the centre of the town.

The church is dedicated to Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, a seventh-century abbess who was venerated across the Low Countries as a patron of travellers and, in popular belief, of cats and of those who keep gardens. Gertrude was a popular patron saint in Friesland, and her name is borne by several churches. In Workum the dedication reflects the town's medieval religious life, when processions and festivals filled the calendar.

After the Reformation, the church was adapted for Protestant worship, as happened throughout the Netherlands. The walls were whitewashed, altars and images removed and the pulpit placed at the centre. What remains is a spacious and bright interior of Gothic arches and wide aisles, with simple furnishings, and some stained-glass windows add colour. The size of the building means that it is also used for concerts and exhibitions, and its acoustics are good.

Workum has other attractions. It is known for its traditional pottery, and its old streets contain gabled houses and small shops. The Jopie Huisman Museum honours a self-taught Frisian painter who became famous for his detailed pictures of worn everyday objects, such as old clothes and tools, which he treated with great tenderness. Alpaca World Friesland, a small farm attraction, adds an unusual family outing. Hindeloopen, a picturesque harbour town known for its painted furniture, is a short ride away.

The church suits visitors interested in architecture, history and quiet reflection. It is often open on certain days in the season, so check opening times or ask at the tourist office. Combine a visit with a walk around the old centre and a pause at a cafe on the Merk.