Nederland - Roermond, Sint Christoffelkathedraal

The late-gothic Sint-Christoffelkathedraal (St Christopher's Cathedral) is the cathedral of the diocese of Roermond. Construction started in 1410 - designed as a basilica on a cruciform ground plan - as a parish church to replace an older church outside the city walls. In the 15th century, the church was extensively rebuilt. The choir was extended and the nave was widened from three to five naves. The building was completed in the course of the 16th century.

In 1661, Sint-Christoffel became the cathedral of the diocese of Roermond, which was founded 102 years earlier. In the church, all important events of the diocese take place, such as ordinations of priests and the installation of a new bishop.

Sint-Christoffelkathedraal suffered severely from war damage during the World War II. The tower was blown up by the Germans one day before the liberation and rebuilt in a modified form after the war. It was not until 1957 that the rebuilding of the church was completed. On 13 April 1992, an earthquake near Roermond caused considerable damage. The church was renovated in 2005. The church with its lavish interior is known for its colourful stained-glass windows.

On the 86-metre-high tower stands the gilded statue of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of the church and the city of Roermond. The cathedral can be visited daily.