Built between 1890 and 1892, the beautiful Gothic Revival hall church in the eastern town of Zwolle was designed by Nicolaas Molenaar Sr. (1850-1930). The designs by this renowned Dutch architect include multiple churches throughout the country. This Roman Catholic church was dedicated to archangel Michael (*Michaël* in Dutch). It was located along the Roggestraat in the heart of Zwolle, the capital of the province of Overijssel.
For over seventy years, the 79-meter-tall clock tower with its distinctive spire was a prominent feature of the town’s skyline. The Sint-Michaëlskerk was also known for its groin vault roof and the shrine for Thomas à Kempis, a German-Dutch canon regular. He died in Zwolle in 1471. The shrine was placed in an exclusively designed, 8-meter-tall Gothic Revival grave monument.
In 1963, the church was closed down by the local government. The Sint-Michaëlskerk – and a few surrounding buildings – was to be demolished for a shopping centre. This decision led to massive protests. The people of Zwolle wanted at least the clock tower to be saved. Sadly, these fierce objections remained fruitless. In 1965, the Sint-Michaëlskerk was razed. Thankfully, the shrine and organ were saved and transferred to another church in town. The grave monument, however, was also destroyed. Today, a [horrid department store](https://res.cloudinary.com/kaufhof/image/upload/f_auto/v1509090584/x5gvwazxnazx1ewr0lcm.jpg) is located on the site where the church once proudly stood.
There had been another church dedicated to archangel Michael in Zwolle before. This is the *Grote Kerk* (‘Great Church’), which still exists. Originally a Roman Catholic church as well, the denomination of the Grote Kerk changed during the Reformation.
I have not been able to retrieve the exact date of the photograph used in this post, but I’m fairly certain it was taken in the first half of the nineteenth century.
EDIT: Replaced a link.
DutchMitchellsays
Very sad. So many great churches were lost in our cities. I hate the 60’s
JohnPlayerSpecialRed says
Built between 1890 and 1892, the beautiful Gothic Revival hall church in the eastern town of Zwolle was designed by Nicolaas Molenaar Sr. (1850-1930). The designs by this renowned Dutch architect include multiple churches throughout the country. This Roman Catholic church was dedicated to archangel Michael (*Michaël* in Dutch). It was located along the Roggestraat in the heart of Zwolle, the capital of the province of Overijssel.
For over seventy years, the 79-meter-tall clock tower with its distinctive spire was a prominent feature of the town’s skyline. The Sint-Michaëlskerk was also known for its groin vault roof and the shrine for Thomas à Kempis, a German-Dutch canon regular. He died in Zwolle in 1471. The shrine was placed in an exclusively designed, 8-meter-tall Gothic Revival grave monument.
In 1963, the church was closed down by the local government. The Sint-Michaëlskerk – and a few surrounding buildings – was to be demolished for a shopping centre. This decision led to massive protests. The people of Zwolle wanted at least the clock tower to be saved. Sadly, these fierce objections remained fruitless. In 1965, the Sint-Michaëlskerk was razed. Thankfully, the shrine and organ were saved and transferred to another church in town. The grave monument, however, was also destroyed. Today, a [horrid department store](https://res.cloudinary.com/kaufhof/image/upload/f_auto/v1509090584/x5gvwazxnazx1ewr0lcm.jpg) is located on the site where the church once proudly stood.
There had been another church dedicated to archangel Michael in Zwolle before. This is the *Grote Kerk* (‘Great Church’), which still exists. Originally a Roman Catholic church as well, the denomination of the Grote Kerk changed during the Reformation.
The Sint-Michaëlskerk is considered [one of the most beautiful lost churches of the Netherlands](http://www.mooistegeslooptekerk.nl/). Another picture of the church can be [found here](http://www.mooistegeslooptekerk.nl/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Michaelskerk_zwolle-195×300.jpg). This photograph is more clear, but unfortunately much smaller.
I have not been able to retrieve the exact date of the photograph used in this post, but I’m fairly certain it was taken in the first half of the nineteenth century.
EDIT: Replaced a link.
DutchMitchell says
Very sad. So many great churches were lost in our cities. I hate the 60’s