Robert van Deelen

The Stevenskerk, or St Stephen's Church, stands in the historic centre of Nijmegen and is the largest and oldest church in the city. Construction began in 1254 in the Romanesque style, using tufa stone, and the lower part of the building still shows that early material. The church was consecrated in 1272 and later took on its late Gothic form. Inside, the play of lines in the architecture and the light coming through the stained glass windows give the nave its character. Two features stand out in the interior. At the centre of the church is the tomb of Catherine of Bourbon, dating from 1512. The other is the König organ, the showpiece of the building and an instrument that is heard regularly. Together with the tower, these make the Stevenskerk one of the recognisable landmarks of Nijmegen, often described as the city's icon. Although it was built for worship, the Stevenskerk works as a concert venue as well as a place for conferences, exhibitions, lectures and other events. Classical music is programmed throughout the year, and the church also hosts pop concerts during the Four Day Marches, when the city fills with walkers and visitors. The choir area can hold receptions of up to 200 people, and various smaller rooms suit exhibitions, lectures and intimate concerts. The space is flexible enough to serve gatherings of around 10 people as well as large functions for roughly 850 guests, which means a concert here can range from a quiet recital to a major evening in one of the oldest buildings in the Netherlands' oldest city.