The H. Nicolaas is a three-aisled pseudo-basilica in neo-Gothic style. It
was built in two seperate stages. In 1875 P.J.H. Cuypers designed a centralizing
church, consisting of a choir, a short transept and a short nave grouped around
a big octagonal crossing. Basically, the concept was a much simplified version of
that of the Vondelkerk in Amsterdam. Already during construction the plans were
changed and the nave and transept were lengthened and a tower was added. Later Cuypers added two rectangular chapels which were built diagonally
in the corners between nave and transept. Unusual for Cuypers, the crossing is covered by a plaster
stellar-vault,
a clear deviation of his principle of honest use of materials.
In 1924-1925 the church was enlarged by J.Th.J. Cuypers & P. Cuypers jr.,
Cuypers' son and grandson respectively. The transept was lengthed and chapels
were added to either of its sides.
At the facade of the northern transept arm is a monument for local hero P.J.
Jong, who fought as a zouave for the pope and died in 1867 at Montelibretti.
This monument was made at one of Cuypers' workshops.
\
