The neo-Gothic Sint-Hildegardis and Antoniuskerk from 1892 is the oldest church in the Oude Noorden. It is dedicated to Saints Hildegard of Bingen and Anthony of Padua. Inside and outside it is a pretty fine example of Dutch architecture, although the church is hardly known in non-Catholic Rotterdam.
As the National Monuments Service describes it: "The risating building part has a decorative twill band at the height of the roof molding, the recessed building part has a more protruding brick tooth molding at this height." Or as Must See puts it: 'Beautiful church, you must see!'
The church is located in the middle of a quiet residential area with many buildings from the late Nineteenth Century, such as the presbytery on the Hammerstraat, just like the church a national monument. The old St. Janschool and St. Josephpatronaat is also a beautiful building, but unfortunately it is terribly dilapidated.
Architect Evert Margry died during the construction of the church? His work was then continued by his brother Albert, who designed the tower from 1905.
After a visit to the church, take a walk. Along the Rotte head south towards the Swan neck for example. If you are in a moody mood, it might be a good time to visit the Crooswijk General Cemetery. The National Monument from 1832 is open daily until 16.00 hours, and the beautiful chapel from 1915 has recently been completely restored.
