Maria Church
Together with the churches of Marsum and Eenum, the church of Oosterwijtwerd is among the oldest brick churches in this part of the province of Groningen. It is a simple but beautiful hall church with a recessed semicircular chancel from the twelfth century.
Take a closer look
The church was named after Mary, as she was the original patron saint of the parish. At one time, the freestanding bell tower stood next to the church, but it collapsed in 1665. This happened during the ringing ceremony to mark the death of Stadholder Ernst Casimir. A modest skylight replaced the tower. On top of the dais is a weather vane with the Ripperda coat of arms.
The coat of arms can also be found on the stone above the entrance, the silver communion cup from 1667, the bell on the collection bag and the gentlemen's bench. The Ripperda family lived at the House at Oosterwijtwerd, which was demolished in 1745.
Labyrinth At the Maria Church in Oosterwijtwer,...
The church was named after Mary, as she was the original patron saint of the parish. At one time, the freestanding bell tower stood next to the church, but it collapsed in 1665. This happened during the ringing ceremony to mark the death of Stadholder Ernst Casimir. A modest skylight replaced the tower. On top of the dais is a weather vane with the Ripperda coat of arms.
The coat of arms can also be found on the stone above the entrance, the silver communion cup from 1667, the bell on the collection bag and the gentlemen's bench. The Ripperda family lived at the House at Oosterwijtwerd, which was demolished in 1745.
Labyrinth There is a labyrinth in the Maria Church in Oosterwijtwerd every last weekend of the month (October-May). A labyrinth is an old and worldwide symbol, a pattern of lines leading to the middle and out again. A meditative exercise to gradually get to the core of your life. Everyone can walk the labyrinth on their own.
In the summer months, there is an outdoor labyrinth that is accessible every day.