Petruskerk Zuidbroek
Take a closer look
The church in Zuidbroek was inaugurated around 1280, an early example of Groningen's Romano-Gothic period. Originally, this Roman church was dedicated to St Augustine of Hippo, and Augustine was therefore a well-known first name among several families in Zuidbroek around 1600. In 1594, the church passed into Protestant hands. According to the prominent Dutch historian M.D. Ozinga (1933), the church would have been dedicated to Saint Peter. However, no evidence for this was found in the archives. In later publications, Ozinga did not repeat his claim, but by now the name'Petruskerk' had taken hold.
The large organ in classicist style is considered the last important representative of 18th-century Groningen organ building. It has 28 stops and a backstop and was built in 1793-1795 by H.H. Freytag and F.C. Snitger (junior).
Achtribb...
The church in Zuidbroek was inaugurated around 1280, an early example of Groningen's Romano-Gothic period. Originally, this Roman church was dedicated to St Augustine of Hippo, and Augustine was therefore a well-known first name among several families in Zuidbroek around 1600. In 1594, the church passed into Protestant hands. According to the prominent Dutch historian M.D. Ozinga (1933), the church would have been dedicated to Saint Peter. However, no evidence for this was found in the archives. In later publications, Ozinga did not repeat his claim, but by now the name'Petruskerk' had taken hold.
The large organ in classicist style is considered the last important representative of 18th-century Groningen organ building. It has 28 stops and a backstop and was built in 1793-1795 by H.H. Freytag and F.C. Snitger (junior).
Eight-ribbed dome vaults support the nave and choir, and paintings adorn the vaults and walls. The church furniture dates back to 1709 with a choir screen, drostenbank and kerkvoogdenbank designed by Groningen city architect Allert Meijer. The late baroque pulpit from 1736 made by Casper Struiwig features beautiful carvings, three allegorical female figures (Faith, Hope and Love) and Moses with the ten commandments.
In 1997, during excavations in the surrounding churchyard, remains of a sculpture group were found. It was probably a so-called calvary group from the early 16th century. Despite damage, parts of the Mary and Christ figure are, according to experts, of high quality and quite rare for Groningen. There are also burial drums and a wooden burial stelae (a tablet or pillar in one piece with an image and/or text carved in relief).
The church has a freestanding bell tower, which served as a prison for a long time. At the time, the tower housed four cells, two of which can still be seen today. The prison art made in the cells has been preserved to this day.
In short: the monumental Petruskerk in Zuidbroek is definitely worth a visit.