Reformed Church of Ballum
In the heart of the picturesque village of Ballum on Ameland, along the Van Camminghastraat, stands the Dutch Reformed Church. This remarkable place of worship has a rich history dating back to the 15th century.
What makes the Dutch Reformed Church in Ballum so special?
- A Church with History: The current church was built in 1832, but it is not the first church in the village. Before that, a chapel stood here, built in the 15th century. After its demolition in 1832, only the crypt remained, featuring a beautifully carved keystone from 1552/56.
- The Unique 1604 Pulpit: The church’s absolute masterpiece is the impressive Renaissance-style pulpit. Created in 1604 by woodcarver Cleas Jelles from Harlingen for the Grote Kerk in Harlingen, it was later moved to Ballum. The pulpit was so large that when it arrived in Ballum, a part of the wall had to be removed to bring it inside! It is one of the oldest pulpits in the Netherlands for which both the maker and the year of construction are known.
- The Freestanding Tower from 1755: In front of the church stands a striking freestanding tower. This is not a true church tower but was built as a navigational beacon for ships and as a bell tower to replace a wooden belfry. In 1870, the tower was raised by 2.5 metres.
Practical Information
- Visit: The church is a listed monument but is unfortunately not open to visitors. However, it remains a fascinating piece of Ameland’s heritage that can be admired from the outside.
Furthermore Reformed Church of Ballum is near the following sights: Nobels Nostalgisch Museum (±70 m), Scenic Flights Ameland (±400 m), Swimming Pool De Schalken (±700 m), Amelander Brewery (±1,4 km) & Seal Safari (±2,9 km).
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