BOLSWARD
Bolsward is a charming town with a rich history and a unique character that captures the essence of Dutch culture. With its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a population of around 10,000, Bolsward offers a delightful escape for travelers seeking a taste of traditional Dutch life.
One of Bolsward’s standout attractions is the iconic St. Francis’ Church, an imposing Gothic structure dating back to the 13th century. Its impressive interior, adorned with stunning stained glass windows and intricate woodwork, makes it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Bolsward is also renowned for its centuries-old tradition of distilling Dutch gin, or “Bols Genever.” The House of Bols, a museum and tasting experience, provides a fascinating journey through the history and production of this beloved spirit, making it a treat for those with an interest in liquor culture.
The town’s canals and waterfront promenades invite visitors to take leisurely strolls, while its vibrant market square comes alive with activity during the weekly market, offering fresh local produce and crafts.
Bolsward’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with its rich heritage, makes it a hidden gem for those looking to explore the heart of Friesland and immerse themselves in Dutch history and culture. Whether you’re admiring centuries-old architecture or sipping on Bols Genever, Bolsward is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who venture to this charming Dutch town.
St. Martin's Church
St. Martin’s Church (also Grote kerk or Martinikerk; West Frisian: Martinitsjerke) is a Protestant church in Bolsward, Netherlands, and one of the medieval churches in Friesland. The current church was built between 1446 and 1461, the small medieval church which stood at that location previously was demolished to build the new one. The tower of the church was built in the 15th century and the gabled roof was added in the 17th century. It became a Protestant church during the Reformation. There was a major renovation which, apart from work on the tower, ended in 1955.
The church is located at the Groot Kerkhof 24 in the centre of Bolsward.
The town is founded on three artificial dwelling mounds, the first of which was built some time before Christ. During the Middle Ages, Bolsward was a trade center and port city connected to the North Sea via the Middle Sea. This connection was lost when the Middle Sea was reclaimed to form arable land. After this, a canal was dug to the Zuiderzee.The town is first mentioned in AD 725.
As a trading city, Bolsward was granted city rights by Philip the Good in 1455. Bolsward was made a member of the Hanseatic league in 1422. Before being merged into the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân, the town of Bolsward was an independent municipality.
City Hall
The City Hall of Bolsward is one of the most beautiful gems of Friesland, although it’s currently surrounded by scaffolding for renovation purposes. The richly decorated City Hall was built in the 1614-1617 period and designed by Jacob Gysbert (father of Gysbert Japicx) in a Frisian mannerism style (late Renaissance).
Once the municipality of Bolsward became included in the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân in 2011, the City Hall lost its traditional function. Many a couple will remember their special day in the beautiful marriage chamber.
Next door is the municipal museum ‘De Oudheidkamer’ in the space above the tribunal. Here you’ll find various artefacts reflecting the history of Bolsward. The building is to gain a new function next year: the new historic centre. A location where past and present can meet, featuring the museums, antiquities room, library and a new archive. In other words: the treasure chest of the region!
The Bolsward coat of arms appears for the first time in 1455, but it is not known why the (imperial) eagle is on the coat of arms. In that year, Bolsward also minted coins depicting the double eagle. However, the eagle did not appear on stamps used by the city until the end of that century. The oldest seal, possibly from 1331, depicts a castle. Other stamps from the 15th and 16th centuries show the double eagle. In 1640 a great seal was used showing the coat of arms beneath a Gothic niche depicting Saint Martin. This coat of arms most likely comes from the German Hanseatic League, of which Bolsward was a member. This also explains the Rudolfinian imperial crown. The crown was confirmed by Emperor Charles V in 1523. After this, the city council replaced the imperial crown several times with a five-leaf marquis crown.
The Broerekerk
The Broerekerk was built in the 13th century as a monastery church of the Friars Minor. The monastery was abandoned and demolished in 1580. The three-aisled church without a tower is a ruin as a result of a fire that took place on 8 May 1980. In 1986 the church was opened again as a ruin.
This oldest monument in Bolsward received a special glass roof in 2006. The designer, architect Jelle de Jong from Lemmer, managed to solve various dilemmas for reuse by covering the remains of the building with glass. Under this special canopy, the church can again fulfill a social function, while retaining the character of a monument.
