De Dorpskerk
The Dorpskerk in Katwijk aan den Rijn was founded in the 13th century (1231). It is one of the oldest churches in the Katwijk area.
A chapel was built in the 13th century, which belonged to a leprozerie, a nursing home for lepers. It was the first church in Katwijk. Originally a Catholic church, it is now a Protestant church.
The architectural style has changed and expanded considerably over the centuries. The main choir, tower and nave are the oldest parts of the church. The consistory was built against it later. The current main entrance belongs to the youngest part. Between 1974 and 1977, the village church was completely restored. The tower is owned by the municipality of Katwijk. The church was built on an old beach ridge. This subsoil is probably the reason why the church was not built in the centre of the former village.