Hervormde kerk Haren

Built in the first half of the 13th century, the Nicolaaskerk in Haren is both Romanesque and Romano-Gothic.

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The church’s 46-metre-high tower has burnt down several times, including in 1465 and 1501, when Saxon troops set fire to the church and tower to smoke out their enemies. Under the direction of Chief Government Architect C.H. Peters, the tower underwent extensive restoration in 1914, during which the simple hipped roof was replaced by a striking octagonal wooden spire. There are tales that Bomen Berend is said to have used the church tower as a lookout post during the siege of Groningen in 1672. The people of Groningen are said to have shot a plate of sauerkraut out of his hands at the time. That is why sauerkraut with bacon is still known as ‘oorlog’ (war) in Haren.

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