The Broerekerk was built as part of a Franciscan  monastery that had been founded in 1270. The church was built in two phases, starting in 1281, and was probably completed in 1313, which makes it the oldest building in Bolsward. It's a three-aisled pseudo-basilica in simple Gothic style. On the north side the gable of a pseudo-transept can just be seen. The facade is the richest part of the church, and is decorated with a climbing frieze. 
In1980 the roof and the wooden vaults were destroyed by fire. The church was repaired in 1986 but still had no roof until work started in October 2005 to cover the church with glass. This work should be completed in 2006.