Saint Martin's Church, Woudrichem

The Martinus Church is a medieval cruciform church in the fortified town of Woudrichem.

The origin of this church is said to be in the 7th century, when a companion of Saint Willibrord is said to have founded a chapel here. The present church, originally dedicated to St. Martin, dates from the 15th century. In addition to the main altar, the church had nine side altars. It is a late Gothic cruciform church with a pseudobasilican nave, the side aisles of which were later continued along the tower. The five-sided closed choir is slightly older and is now separated from the nave by a wall. The nave has wooden barrel vaults.

In 1573 a large part of Woudrichem was reduced to ashes by the Geuzen to prevent the Spaniards from taking the city. Only the walls of the former church remained standing. The reconstruction was delayed due to lack of money, but was completed in 1621. In the meantime the church had become a reformed church: the first Protestant minister took office in 1585. In 1841 the church was restored and rebuilt again.