The current Grote Kerk, with its monumental tower, was constructed in the 1400s in Gothic Style. The Tempel | Kerk Museum Elst is located inside the church and tells the story of this 2000-year old place of worship. Nowhere in the Netherlands can such high Roman temple walls be seen.
The museum contains three areas:
-In the nave-aisle of the building, several display cases contain exceptional archaeological finds.
-Under the nave, the foundations of two successive Gallo-Roman temples from the 1st century AD can be found. The second of these temples was one of the largest in the north-western part of the empire.
-Under the nave and choir, foundations of two (early) Medieval churches, extended over time with a crypt, are visible. The crypt contains a 10th-century grave.
Visiting the Roman temples and the Medieval foundations is only possible as part of a guided tour.
Address
Grote Molenstraat 2, 6661 DJ Elst
Email: kerkmuseum@pg-elst.nl
Opening hours
Every first Saturday of the month: 13:30 to 16:30.
In July and August: every Saturday and Sunday from 13:30 to 16:30, except the last Saturday in August.
A guided tour starts at 14:30.
Tours upon request (in Dutch, English, or German)
Guided tours can also be booked upon request, outside regular opening hours. These can be booked any day of the week, except Sunday mornings. No tours are given on Christmas Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, 26 and 27 April, and Pentecost.
Appointments can be made through the sacristan (koster@pg-elst.nl). Please book your tour at least two days in advance.
Entrance fee
Both the church and the museum have no admission. A guided tour costs € 3 per participant.
We are unfortunately unable to accept any payments other than cash.
Accessibility for people with disabilities
The museum is wheelchair-accessible. An accessible toilet can be found inside the church.
Visiting either the Roman or the Medieval foundations is unfortunately not possible.
Please note that dogs are not allowed inside the building, except guide dogs and official service dogs.
