St. Boniface Church

The church is dedicated to Saint Boniface. The Saint Boniface Church in Leeuwarden was built in 1882/84 according to a design by the architect PJHCuypers.

That tall trees catch a lot of wind has become a well-known saying in Leeuwarden, and that certainly applies to tall towers as well. During a hurricane on January 3, 1976, the church tower was blown off. Fortunately, it has been restored, and from here you can enjoy a magnificent view into the distance. The spire of the tower landed in the garden and caused significant damage to an outbuilding during its fall. For years, the tower stood in scaffolding, adorned with advertising boards. After a period of fundraising, the spire was rebuilt. In 1980, the spire was placed back on top of the tower. 

The church is dedicated to Saint Boniface. The Saint Boniface Church in Leeuwarden was built in 1882/84 according to a design by the architect PJH Cuypers, the same architect who also built Amsterdam Central Station. He was one of the greatest master builders of Neo-Gothic architecture, the new Gothic style in which this church is executed. The ground plan of the church is a cross. It was and is a Catholic church. 

The church is not very old, but it is very beautiful. The interior is richly decorated with painted wall panels; there are no fewer than five altars, enormous stained-glass windows, and many special ornaments. The church has two organs: the Adema organ dating from 1899, and the monumental Cavaillé-Coll organ. The pews come from the workshop of Cuypers, as does the Pietà. Let yourself be surprised by the splendor of this church.  

In earlier times, the church was not even accessible from the street. It lay hidden behind a house, and could only be reached via two narrow alleys. The church served as a clandestine church. In 1944, too, the church was a hiding place for a group of people from Roermond. Thus, for a short time, the Bonifatius Church was the provisional "seat" and residence of the Bishop of Roermond.

View the calendar below for current services and open church days.

The church can be visited on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 14:00 and 16:00.