Gouda’s Church of St. John beckons visitors with its stunning 72 stained-glass windows, a veritable masterpiece of 16th-century Dutch and Flemish craftsmanship. An entry ticket that includes an informative audio guide allows one to fully immerse in the church’s rich history and architectural splendor. Priced affordably at just $11.99, this experience promises a captivating journey through the Netherlands’ past. But the true allure lies in what lies beyond the church’s hallowed walls, waiting to be uncovered.
Key Points
- Tickets for the Church of St. John in Gouda start at $11.99 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The church boasts the largest collection of 16th-century Dutch and Flemish stained-glass windows in Europe, with some reaching 20 meters in height.
- An included audio guide, available in multiple languages, provides in-depth historical context and insights into the church’s significance in the Dutch rebellion against Spanish rule.
- The church is open from March to November, with winter hours from November to March, and offers wheelchair-friendly accessibility.
- Based on 33 reviews, the overall experience at the Church of St. John is rated 4.3 out of 5, with visitors praising the breathtaking stained-glass windows and informative audio guide.
Ticket Information
The ticket for visiting the Church of St. John in Gouda costs from $11.99 per person.
It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can reserve their spot and pay nothing today with the "Reserve now & pay later" option.
The ticket is valid for 365 days, allowing flexibility in planning the visit. Customers can check availability for starting times to ensure a seamless experience.
The ticket provides access to the church’s impressive collection of 72 stained-glass windows, the largest in Europe, some reaching 20 meters in height.
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Attraction Highlights
Visitors to the Church of St. John in Gouda will be awestruck by the stunning 72 stained-glass windows, created by 16th-century Dutch and Flemish Masters. This collection is the largest in Europe, with some windows reaching an impressive 20 meters in height. Exploring this architectural marvel allows guests to learn about the Dutch rebellion against the King of Spain.
| Attraction Highlights |
| — | — | — |
| Largest collection of stained glass in Europe | 72 stained-glass windows by 16th-century Dutch and Flemish Masters | Some windows reach 20 meters in height |
| Learn about the Dutch rebellion against the king of Spain | | |
Audio Guide
An included audio guide provides in-depth history and context about the church, available in several languages including Dutch, German, English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
The audio guide enhances the visitor experience by:
The audio guide enhances the visitor experience by deepening their understanding of the church’s cultural importance and architectural marvels.
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Illuminating the church’s rich 500-year history and the remarkable stained-glass windows.
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Explaining the significance of the Dutch rebellion against Spanish rule.
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Offering insights into the architectural and artistic marvels of this historic landmark.
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Allowing visitors to explore the church at their own pace while deepening their understanding of its cultural importance.
Visiting Details
The St. John’s Church is located at Achter de Kerk 2 in Gouda. The church is open to visitors from March to November, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM. During the winter months of November to March, the hours are slightly reduced to 10 AM to 4 PM, Monday to Saturday. Guests can access the church via a wheelchair-friendly entrance.
| Season | Hours |
| — | — |
| March to November | 9 AM – 5:30 PM |
| November to March | 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Days Open | Monday to Saturday |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
Customers have rated the St. John’s Church entry ticket with an overall score of 4.3 out of 5 based on 33 reviews.
St. John’s Church entry ticket has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 33 reviews.
Here’s a breakdown of the feedback:
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Value for Money: Reviewers praise the affordable ticket price, noting it’s a great value at 4.2/5.
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Attraction Highlights: Visitors are in awe of the stunning stained-glass windows, describing them as "breathtaking" and "magnificent".
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Audio Guide: The included audio guide is deemed informative and enhances the overall experience.
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Accessibility: The church’s wheelchair accessibility is highlighted as a positive.
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Explore the Stained-Glass Windows
Seventy-two stained-glass windows, created by 16th-century Dutch and Flemish masters, adorn the interior of St. John’s Church in Gouda.
These captivating works of art comprise the largest collection of stained glass in Europe. Some windows reach an impressive height of 20 meters, immersing visitors in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and intricate designs.
The windows depict scenes from the Bible and symbolize the Dutch rebellion against the King of Spain, providing a fascinating historical narrative.
Exploring the stunning stained glass is a highlight of any visit to this architectural gem in the heart of Gouda.
The Dutch Rebellion Against Spain
Amidst the captivating stained-glass windows, an intriguing historical narrative unfolds – the story of the Dutch rebellion against the King of Spain.
This 80-year conflict, known as the Eighty Years’ War, was a struggle for Dutch independence from the Spanish monarchy.
It was marked by:
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Religious tensions, as the Protestant Dutch sought freedom from Catholic Spanish rule.
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Economic factors, with the Dutch aspiring for more autonomy over trade and taxation.
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Nationalist sentiments, as the Dutch desired self-governance and the right to determine their own future.
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Heroic resistance, exemplified by figures like William of Orange, who led the Dutch to victory.
Plan Your Visit
When planning your visit to St. John’s Church in Gouda, there are a few key details to keep in mind.
The church is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM during the spring and summer months, and from 10 AM to 4 PM in the winter.
Tickets are affordably priced, ranging from $11.99 per person, and feature free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can also reserve their spot now and pay later.
The audioguide, available in multiple languages, provides an in-depth look at the church’s history and impressive stained-glass windows.
The church is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Church?
Photography is allowed inside the church. Visitors can take photos of the stunning stained-glass windows and the church’s interior, capturing the beauty and historic significance of this remarkable attraction.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks inside the church. The church has rules in place to maintain the tranquility and cleanliness of the sacred space. Eating and drinking are not permitted within the premises.
Are Guided Tours Available in Addition to the Audioguide?
Yes, guided tours are available in addition to the included audioguide. Visitors can choose to join a live guided tour for a more immersive experience exploring the church’s history and stained glass windows.
Do I Need to Print the Ticket or Can I Show It on My Phone?
You can show the ticket on your phone. No need to print it out. The ticket is valid for 365 days, so you can visit the church anytime within that period.
Is There a Dress Code or Specific Attire Required to Visit?
There’s no strict dress code for visiting the church. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable attire. However, it’s best to avoid overly revealing or disruptive outfits out of respect for the sacred nature of the space.
The Sum Up
The Church of St. John in Gouda offers a captivating glimpse into the artistic and historical legacy of the Netherlands. With an entry ticket, visitors can explore the largest collection of stained-glass windows in Europe and gain insight through an informative audio guide. Whether you’re a history buff or simply appreciate breathtaking architecture, this wheelchair-friendly attraction provides a rich and accessible experience.
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