St. John's Cathedral
Sint-Janskathedraal
The most elaborate Brabant Gothic cathedral in the Netherlands, with whimsical little statues covering its flying buttresses. Climb up for views over the old town.
St. John's Cathedral was built between 1380 and 1530 and is the crowning achievement of Brabant Gothic architecture in the Netherlands. Nearly a hundred quirky little figures crouch on the flying buttresses of the exterior. During the 2010 restoration, an angel holding a mobile phone was added, and spotting it is part of the fun for visitors. Inside are an ornate organ, the statue of Zoete Lieve Vrouw (Sweet Dear Lady) and altarpieces from the era of Bosch. Entry to the cathedral is free. A paid guided tour (the Kathedrale Kruisgang / Sint-Jan Experience, by reservation) takes you onto the exterior roof scaffolding for a close look at the figures and views across the city. There is Mass on Sunday mornings, so please keep your voice down during your visit. It is about a 15-minute walk from the train station.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (visits restricted during Mass)
Nearby sights
- Parade
- Zwanenbroedershuis
- Het Noordbrabants Museum
- Jheronimus Bosch Art Center
- Design Museum Den Bosch
- Markt
- De Moriaan
- City Walls & Bastion Oranje