Nederland - Finsterwolde, Stefanuskerk

The Stefanuskerk (St. Stephen's Church) is originally a catholic Romano-Gothic cruciform church, probably dating back to the end of the 13th century. The church belonged to the diocese of Münster (Germany). The church was originally dedicated to St. Stephen, but has been a reformed church since 1594.

The current form of the NH church dates from 1586/1587. The crucifix was demolished, the building was lowered 5½ meters and a choir was added. During the World War II, the church suffered a lot of damage as a result of shootings. The church has been restored many times, the latest was in 2002.

The tower stands separated from church. It was built in 1820/1822 after San Giorgio’s bell tower in Venice. The present tower replaces an old lower wooden one from 1663. The brick tower is built on 96 piles with a length between 5½ and 8½ meters. The height of the tower is more than 50 meters, nowadays serving as a lookout for visitors. Unlike almost all churches in the Netherlands it has a horse instead of a rooster on its spire.

In the past the local fire brigade used the tower for drying the fire hoses.