Dutch Reformed Church, Groot Kerk
Dutch Reformed Church, Groot Kerk
Dutch Reformed Church, Groot Kerk
4.5
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4.5
132 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
43
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Mike de Meyer
Bloemfontein, South Africa443 contributions
You turn a road and are wowed by the beauty of this church. This church really takes your breath away. Pity that most people pass through Graaff-Reinet without ever seeing this church. If you are in the area, you have to see it.
Written 20 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iolanda Guerra e Andrade
Lisbon, Portugal3,748 contributions
Feb 2020
I personally felt the Dutch reformed Church was much more beautiful on the outside than its interior. Considered one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture the fact that two different types of local stone were used in its façade gave it a rather distinct feature.
Written 27 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vorsters
Melkbosstrand, South Africa238 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
This is a landmark in Graaff-Reinet down the main road. Well maintained building and gardens. A pity for all the street kids harassing you once you stop to view the church. Previously visited the church inside great to experience.
Written 2 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill d
Port Elizabeth, South Africa2,417 contributions
Sept 2015 • Solo
This imposing, pristinely maintained building is possibly the most photographed church in South Africa - and its easy to see why!
Three previous church buildings occupied this prime site before the current structure was erected in 1886. It was designed by Bisset and said to be inspired by Salisbury Cathedral in the UK. There is a passing resemblance to the two churches as both buildings have a similar impact on their surroundings, with tall steeples dominating the skyline. They differ, of course, in that the Dutch Reformed church does not possess the beautiful cloisters that Salisbury has, neither is the interior anything like Salisbury Cathedral with its huge, black marble font near the nave.
But what we do have here in Graaff Reinet, is a building of incredible beauty, set within a square, tailor -made for the purpose of underscoring its presence. As no other buildings encroach on its presinct, this frame of open space serves to highlight the attractiveness of the building. As Graaff Reinet has been called "the Gem of the Karoo", then this building surely contributes greatly to this claim!
Three previous church buildings occupied this prime site before the current structure was erected in 1886. It was designed by Bisset and said to be inspired by Salisbury Cathedral in the UK. There is a passing resemblance to the two churches as both buildings have a similar impact on their surroundings, with tall steeples dominating the skyline. They differ, of course, in that the Dutch Reformed church does not possess the beautiful cloisters that Salisbury has, neither is the interior anything like Salisbury Cathedral with its huge, black marble font near the nave.
But what we do have here in Graaff Reinet, is a building of incredible beauty, set within a square, tailor -made for the purpose of underscoring its presence. As no other buildings encroach on its presinct, this frame of open space serves to highlight the attractiveness of the building. As Graaff Reinet has been called "the Gem of the Karoo", then this building surely contributes greatly to this claim!
Written 28 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VGWD
Cape Town Central, South Africa38 contributions
May 2015 • Family
One always sees photos of this church, and it was a great experience being able to walk around inside it. Very simple inside which adds to the special place of worship. The outside is inspiring.
Written 20 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobertJohannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa4 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Not much to see as it is only the church on its own but as far as churches go it rivals those of Europe and is amazing that it was built where it was. It is sparklingly white with hardly any visible wear and tear. I actually took the time out to find dirt on the walls and where I did find there was scaffolding there which was probably put up to clean it. Amazing view if you are into churches.
Written 13 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Firefly the Travel Guy
Port Elizabeth, South Africa280 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
The Dutch reformed Church or Groot Kerk (and not St James as the title refers to it) is really an iconic sight when it comes to Graaff-Reinet. I couldn't help but to walk around and take pictures from every direction when I visited. The church was open on my visit and I got to see the inside which is very impressive.
Written 6 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marc Derveeuw
Ostend, Belgium408 contributions
Jan 2023
Symbol on how the Voortrekkers used faith and religion as a driver to travel all the way up north of SA and colonize SA. As in many SA places, they polish their churches even if the town starts to run down.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crazyredpepper
Plattekloof, South Africa719 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Every small South African town has a church. Most of which are the focus point of the town and community. This church is an imposing figure that cannot be ignored. Beautifully maintained. To gain entrance go round the back. Do not be afraid to explore the different rooms. I enjoyed the room which gave a backdrop of history with all the photos of the ‘shepherds’ tending to the flock since the beginning. I saw a lot of links to the community and I can see that it is still a major part of the community’s lives. However, having said all that, I felt something was missing. I felt no connection to this church.
Written 22 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
938ChrisB938
Pontefract, UK48 contributions
Oct 2019
Visited the Church on a Sunday when the morning Service was in progress. There is a back entrance for visitors. Wonderful old Church well worth a visit. The seating arrangement inside the Church was different from UK Churches. Wherever you go in the town you can see the tall spire. It is certainly worth a short visit.
Written 9 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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