St. Joriskerk (The Saint George Church), Amersfoort Netherlands

Today we happened upon this gorgeous Church in Amersfoort. After touring and taking our photos I just sat in one of the pews and enjoyed the peaceful heavenly feeling all around us. 
I hope you enjoy your visit today, thank you for stopping in to share in our journey of The Netherlands.

The Saint George Church

The Saint George Church in Amersfoort is possible derived from a chapel, which stood by the Court of the Lords of Amersfoort.

The Lords of Amersfoort near Amersfoort and ruled for the Bishop of Utrecht until 1259, when Amersfoort got city rights. The oldest part of the Church is the Tower, dating from 1190, although the Tower originally was lower.

In the course of the centuries, the Church is always extended to the Church in the 16th century the current appearance of a three-aisled Hall-church got.

In the middle ages were the walls and the vault of the Church richly decorated with pictures and ornaments. During the Reformation, they were painted over.Fortunately, some of these decorations have been preserved.

Showpiece of the Church is the Gothic oxaal from ca. 1480 with its beautifully sculpted decorations. Originally this was the separation between the Church and the sanctuary. In addition to Rhenen, has of the churches above the main rivers only Amersfoort such a pulpitum steps.

Blessings,

Wanda

City Of Utrecht

This week we travelled by train to the nearby city of Utrecht which is the 4th largest city in The Netherlands.

On and around the current Cathedral square is the place where the Romans around 50 a.d. have laid the basis for the city of Utrecht.

We took a canal tour and also walked and walked some more exploring the wonderful quaint shops and streets. I hope you enjoy a small glimpse into our travels. 

The cafe above we stopped in for a cold beverage and the photo below is where we had our lunch. 

What a view while I dined... my Sweetie and the canal...

What a wonderful experience we are having in Holland! Thank you for stopping in today!

Hugs,

Wanda

Our Home Exchange to The Netherlands

Welcome to Slot Zeist

Construction of this beautiful Castle started in 1677 by Architect Jacob Roman who also built the Royal castle 

"Het Loo" in Apeldorn. Roman was assisted by a French refugee, one of the Huegenots (French Prodestants) by the name of Daniel Marot, who brought the culture of Louis XIV, the Baroque style with him.

This is some of nature's beauty we saw as we walked the short distance from the apartment we are staying. 

This Arcadian landscape below is painted by Willem de Klerk (1800-1876) 

Most of the photos I have included feature the architecture and paintings of the castle and I hope you enjoy the small glimpse into Slot Zeist.

The two photos below are part of the ceiling design in one of the halls. I think they will look fabulous matted and framed for our home.

The hand painted fabric walls in this little room below was magnificent. 

Chandelier's in every room added to the glamour and beauty.

As you can see below this is where I took the ceiling panel photos I plan to frame.

The Gilded Reamur Louis XVI style Barometer-Thermometer is from Paris 1775

Wall Tapestry's hung in allot of the rooms as below

Het Slot Zeist was built in the 17th Century, the rich Golden Age by Count Willem Adriaan van Nassau Odijk and Cortgene. He was the grandson of Prins Maurits, Prince of Orange. 

In January 1957 an extensive restoration was undertaken by architect IR. J.B. Baron van Asbeck. At that time it was practically in ruins and the entire building was brought back to the style of Willem Adrian. In 1969 it was re-opened by Prince Claus, Queen Beatix's husband.

The grounds has a lovely spot for High tea or just a light lunch with coffee, tea and some sweets.

I hope you enjoyed your visit today and I will share more of our seven week Home Exchange in Holland.

Blessings,

Wanda