St Mary’s Church
Along with the churches of Marsum and Eenum, the church at Oosterwijtwerd is one of the oldest brick churches in this part of the province of Groningen. It is a simple yet beautiful hall church with a recessed semicircular chancel dating from the twelfth century.
Have a look now
The church was named after Mary, as she was the parish’s original patron saint. The freestanding bell tower once stood next to the church, but it collapsed in 1665. This happened whilst the bells were being rung to mark the death of Stadtholder Ernst Casimir. The tower was replaced by a modest ridge turret. On top of the ridge turret stands a weather vane bearing 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 men’s pew. The Ripperda family lived at Huis te Oosterwijtwerd, which was demolished in 1745.
Labyrinth in the Mariakerk in Oosterwijtwer…
The church was named after Mary, as she was the parish’s original patron saint. The freestanding bell tower once stood next to the church, but it collapsed in 1665. This happened whilst the bells were being rung to mark the death of Stadtholder Ernst Casimir. The tower was replaced by a modest ridge turret. On top of the ridge turret stands a weather vane bearing 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 men’s pew. The Ripperda family lived at Huis te Oosterwijtwerd, which was demolished in 1745.
Labyrinth Every last weekend of the month (October–May), a labyrinth is set up in the Mariakerk in Oosterwijtwerd. A labyrinth is an ancient and universal symbol, a pattern of lines leading towards the centre and back out again. It is a meditative exercise designed to help you gradually reach the core of your life. Anyone can walk the labyrinth at their own pace.
During the summer months, there is an outdoor labyrinth that is open every day.