Tucked between historic buildings stands the Willibrordus Chapel, named after the English missionary Willibrordus, who came to Europe in the 7th century to spread Christianity. The chapel was built on the site of the old Willibrord House, once a haven for pilgrims and believers.
During the Reformation, when Protestantism became the official religion of the Netherlands, the chapel served as a secret church for Catholics starting in 1580. It continued in this role until 1806, when Napoleon reinstated religious freedom. As the Catholic population grew, a larger church was needed. Architect Pierre Cuypers then designed the Saint Jacob’s Church on Parkstraat. The Willibrord House was later transformed into a convent for the Sisters of Charity.
Today, the Willibrordus Chapel is open to visitors. In the dining room, remnants of the secret church can still be seen. In 2010, the chapel found new life when a hobby brewer and several brothers began brewing beer in the monastery kitchen. Their Haagsche Broeder Prior beer became popular, and by 2014 they expanded production. The beer is now sold in local shops and cafés.
Sources. Story: Source Story: Photos: Source photo: Pvt pauline, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
