Grote or St. Gertrudis Church

The late Gothic church of Workum originated at the end of the 15th century (1480) with the addition of a choir to its earlier single-nave predecessor. Dedicated to Saint Gertrude, daughter of Pepin the Elder. Shortly after, transepts were added. Around 1515, work began on replacing the nave with a three-aisled hall church. Conflicts between the Schieringers and Vetkopers delayed progress. In 1523, construction resumed, but by 1560, the western section was left unfinished. Until restoration (1939-1951), a wooden wall closed it off. A sacristy, also used as a Latin school, was built on the southeast side.

The free-standing church tower was also left incomplete after 1523. In 1613, it was topped with an onion-shaped dome. Two bells hang in the tower; in 2007, one lost its clapper. The Renaissance choir screen (1569) and baroque pulpit (1718) are notable. Sculptor Tjipke Visser contributed a baptismal font during the 20th-century restoration.

The organ was built in 1697 by Jan Harmensz. Camp, also involved with the Grote Kerk in Hindeloopen. The two-manual organ with 19 stops was restored in 1981 by Flentrop. The church also houses a cabinet organ from 1784.

Inside are old tombstones (oldest from 1523), funeral shields, and painted guild biers from Workum and Hindeloopen, depicting trades like skippers, farmers, and carpenters.

The church, sacristy, and tower are designated national monuments. A renovation began in 2010, restoring the roof and stained glass windows.