Marekerk (Mare Church), Leiden

The Mare Church, or Marekerk, is a distinctive Protestant church located at the intersection of Lange Mare and the Oude Vest canal in the Dutch city of Leiden. Recognizable for its round dome, the church can be seen from landmarks such as the Oude Vest and the Burcht van Leiden. Constructed between 1639 and 1649, the Marekerk stands as one of the first churches in the Netherlands specifically designed for Protestant worship.

The church was designed in the Dutch classicist style by city architect Arent van 's-Gravesande, with construction overseen by his teacher, Jacob van Campen, who later contributed to the design of its sandstone façade. Its unique octagonal central layout reflects its Protestant function, emphasizing the centrality of the pulpit, with seating arranged to face it. This innovative design would influence later works by van 's-Gravesande, such as the Oostkerk in Middelburg.

The Mare Church features three portals, with the western entrance serving as the main access point. The pulpit design was inspired by the Nieuwe Kerk in Haarlem, further highlighting the church’s attention to functional and aesthetic detail.

The church houses an organ with a rich history. Originally built around 1560 by Pieter Jansz de Swart for Peter's Church, it was transferred to the Mare Church in 1733 and expanded by organ builder Rudolph Garrels.

The carillon includes a church bell by C. Wegewaert from 1647 and another by Francois Hemony from 1663, accompanied by a mechanical clock built in 1941 by B. Eijsbouts, with an electric winding mechanism added later.

The Mare Church continues to host regular worship services as part of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN). On Saturday afternoons in July and August, and occasionally throughout the year, the church opens its doors to visitors, often featuring concerts that showcase its acoustics and historical organ.