Cycling Highlight
Recommended by 52 out of 57 cyclists
The Gasthuiskapel is one of the most beautiful buildings in the beautiful historic city center of Zaltbommel. The chapel, built in 1316, is famous for its exceptional acoustics and a household name among lovers of classical chamber music.
August 14, 2022
This Gasthuis was put into use around 1316 as the Groote Bommelsche Gasthuis. Over the centuries, the hospital formed a complex of buildings between Kerkstraat, Vismarkt, Oude Vismarkt and Gasthuisstraat.
The Gasthuiskapel dates back to the 15th century and is the oldest part of the complex. This is a single-aisled aisleless church with a three-sided choir closure and vaulted by a 16th-century wooden barrel vault.
The Gasthuistoren, at Oude Vismarkt 1, is a high square tower (2nd half of the 15th century), flanked by a round stair tower, topped by an open lantern and a pear-shaped spire (1530). In the lantern a clock by Jasper Moer from 1533, and a carillon by Pieter and François Hemony from 1654. On the west side a cavalry set, presumably from the 17th century.
The main building, at Kerkstraat 2, is from 1782-1788. The classicist building was designed by C. van Leeuwen. Above the entrance is a Louis XVI style window frame.
In 1894 a number of buildings, including the chapel and the main building, were merged into one complex, according to plans by A.L.van Gendt. The chapel was restored in 2004 and then functioned as a cultural center.
The organ in the chapel dates from 1750. From 1893 to 1906 it was used in the Reformed Church on Vaartweg in Hilversum. From 1906 it stood in the Reformed Church in Vreeland. From 2014 it is located in the Gasthuiskapel. In the chapel there is also an Erard wing, on which Franz Liszt probably also played.
Source: Wikipedia
November 24, 2021
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