St. Boniface Church, Zaandam

The St. Boniface Church in Zaandam is a neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church built between 1899 and 1900. It is known for its squat square tower and a particularly cool and colorful neo-Gothic interior. The church is part of a larger complex that also includes a rectory. The Boniface parish was founded in 1784. Before that, Roman Catholics (the Old Catholics had their own secret church) worshipped in the remote hamlet of 't Kalf.

The reason for the parish's foundation was the capture of a small and hideous animal (a rat) by a Protestant government official, which he wanted to show to his Catholic neighbor. However, he was at church and did not return until hours later. The conversation between the two neighbors ended with the advice to the Catholic neighbor to submit a request to found a secret church closer to home. This request was granted, and the Zaandam wooden secret church was inaugurated in 1785. This church served until the end of the 19th century but then became too small.

As a result, a new church was built opposite the old secret church, which was completed in 1900. The building is a three-aisled cross basilica with an integrated, westwork-like square tower. The church is oriented so that the choir faces east. Inside, there is a platform on which the organ is located. At the top, there is a rose window. To the east of the landing are four more bays followed by the transept, which barely extends beyond the nave. This is followed by the choir, which comprises two more complete bays and a final bay. All bays have pointed arches, usually with stained glass windows.

The neo-Gothic interior has remained largely intact and exudes a sense of peace and harmony. Notable and interesting are the banners of various Roman Catholic associations that hang on the church's pillars. Also striking are the colorful stained glass windows depicting episodes from the lives of Saint Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Boniface.

The modest Mitterreither organ located above the platform is part of the national monument registration. This organ was built in 1786 and originally stood in the secret church.