Nederland - Rijssen, Grote- of Schildkerk

The reformed Grote- of Schildkerk is the oldest church in Rijssen - a town which became city rights in the year of 1243. Its oldest part is the northern wall, which originally was part of a Romanesque church and dates back to the 12th century.

Its current shape largely dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. In the early 16th century a second aisle was added, transforming the building in a two-aisled hall-church, like many churches in the province of Overijssel.

The neo-classical front was added in 1828-1829 to replace the Romanesque tower which had collapsed in 1826. In 1924-1925 the church was once again enlarged. Architect Tj. Kuipers added a third nave in neo-Gothic style, consisting of three traves, each with a seperate gable and roof and a choir-like eastern part.

The name of the Grote- of Schildkerk was Dionysius Church until 1598. The church derives its current name from its location on the square Het Schild.