If you appreciate deep medieval history, make sure to visit Saint Agnes church (also known as the Protestant church of Goutum), located in Goutum, Friesland, near Leeuwarden in the Netherlands. Originally built as a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Agnes, it transitioned into a Protestant place of worship following the Protestant Reformation. Today, this historic site is officially recognized as a Dutch national heritage site, listed as Rijksmonument number 24509.
As you explore the exterior at 23 Buorren, you will discover fascinating architectural evidence of its long evolution. Look closely at the northern side of the building to spot preserved remnants of an older tufa church dating back to the 11th or 12th century. You can also admire the church's impressive 15th-century tower and see how the main structure was expanded during that same century, when medieval builders enlarged and heightened the walls using classic brick.
It offers travelers a genuine look into Friesland's rich architectural layer cake, blending early Romanesque elements with later medieval additions.
What to see at Agneskerk
- Distinct 15th-century church tower
- Exposed 11th or 12th-century tufa church remnants on the northern wall
- 15th-century brick enlargement and heightened structural details
- Official Dutch Rijksmonument national heritage site (number 24509)
Visiting tips
Head to the northern side of the building at 23 Buorren to examine the ancient 11th or 12th-century tufa stone remnants in the exterior wall.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daylight hours
How to get there & what’s nearby
Agneskerk is easy to reach on Leeuwarden’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Grote of Jacobijnerkerk and Stadhouderlijk Hof. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Leeuwarden travel guide.
See the full Leeuwarden travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.