Laurenskerk

The Laurenskerk is the only remaining medieval monument in Rotterdam. This late Gothic church, constructed between 1449 and 1525, is dedicated to Saint Lawrence of Rome, the city’s patron saint.

The cornerstone was laid in 1449, and by the late 15th century the church was complete. In 1548, the tower was extended with an additional floor, and in 1621 it received a wooden spire designed by renowned architect Hendrick de Keyser, who also designed the Westerkerk in Amsterdam.

On May 14, 1940, during the devastating bombing of Rotterdam, the Laurenskerk suffered major damage. The tower, surrounded by scaffolding, caught fire, and the flames spread throughout the church. Only the outer walls survived. Though demolition was considered, Hitler ordered the church to be protected as cultural heritage.

The church’s reconstruction after World War II became a powerful symbol of Rotterdam’s resilience. Today, the Laurenskerk remains a testament to the city’s strength and historical roots.