Sint-Willibrordkerk (St. Willibrord's Church), Utrecht

Sint-Willibrordkerk is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Willibrord. Located in the historic centre of Utrecht, near the Dom Church, Saint Willibrord's has been one of the city's hidden treasures and a Rijksmonument (national heritage site) since 1976. A finely preserved example of the Utrecht Styl, which is a conservative variant of Gothic Revival in The Netherlands, focused on the late Gothic period, the Lower Rhine Gothic style in particular, the temple was built from 1875 to 1877 under the direction of a group of priests.

The church was designed by architect Alfred Tepe. Because it is surrounded by houses, the architect chose to build it extra tall, yet short enough, with high windows. The sober brick exterior of the church is a great contrast to the elaborate and colourful interior, which wasn't completed until 1891.

Many artists from the St. Bernulphus Guild had worked together to decorate the building. Almost every wall inside is painted. Alongside the colourful frescoes there are numerous wood carvings and stained glass windows depicting the life of St. Willibrord.

The most important part of the church, the choir, is the most extensively decorated. Central to this is the symbolism of the Holy Sacrament. Another distinctive part of the interior is a well-known organ, built by Maarschalkerweerd.

In the 1960s, the diocese of Utrecht wanted to sell and demolish the building. Lay people and father Winand Kotte A.A., bought the property and kept it intact. Today, to maintain the church, it is often rented out for classical concerts during the week.

The Sunday Masses take place at 10:30am. Masses are also held every Friday at 19:00, and Saturday at 11:00.