Laurentiuskerk
This sturdy church with detached tower is over nine centuries old, making it one of the oldest churches in Groningen.
Have a look now
Baflo Church, one of the oldest in Groningen, stands proudly with its freestanding tower at the highest point of the mound. Originally a wooden building founded by Liudger in the 8th century, it was later replaced by a stone version around 1100. Around 1250, the church was extended and took on its current form.
Baflo used to be an important centre: one of the provostships (main churches) in the Ommelanden. This explains why the church is so large. More than 30 parishes were administered from here. The highest-ranking clergyman was the provost or persona. Rudolf Agricola’s father, Hendrik Vries, served as persona in Baflo for a number of years. It was also a place where justice was administered. Following the rise of Protestantism, it lost its status.
The current layout…
Baflo Church, one of the oldest in Groningen, stands proudly with its freestanding tower at the highest point of the mound. Originally a wooden building founded by Liudger in the 8th century, it was later replaced by a stone version around 1100. Around 1250, the church was extended and took on its current form.
Baflo used to be an important centre: one of the provostships (main churches) in the Ommelanden. This explains why the church is so large. More than 30 parishes were administered from here. The highest-ranking clergyman was the provost or persona. Rudolf Agricola’s father, Hendrik Vries, served as persona in Baflo for a number of years. It was also a place where justice was administered. Following the rise of Protestantism, it lost its status.
The current interior dates mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries. The church organ was built by Roelf Meijer in 1877. The gentlemen’s pews date from 1878. The church also contains, amongst other things, an offering box and eight metal shields from the coffins of the Jarges family. There are a number of gravestones in the church; the oldest is that of Jacob Halsema (died in 1587). The pulpit comes from the church in Engelbert, after a fire destroyed the church’s own pulpit. Curious? The church and tower are open to the public every day from 1 April to 1 October, from 10.00 to 18.00.
Various activities are organised in the church, such as concerts, lectures, exhibitions and walks centred on Rudolf Agricola, the founder of humanism, who was born in Baflo.
In the summer, a Tourist Information Point is located in the church.