The St. Francis Basilica is a Roman Catholic church located in Bolsward. Designed in 1932, it features a striking expressionist Art Deco style. This church replaced two older Roman Catholic churches in the town. One was the Sint-Martinuskerk, situated on the same street, while the other, the Sint-Franciscuskerk, stood on the very site where the basilica is now. Architect Theo Molkenboer designed the new church, contributing to the modernization of Bolsward in the 1930s.
Over the years, changes in the area around the church have added to its significance. For example, the houses in front of the old church were gradually demolished. As a result, a spacious square was created in front of the basilica, giving it a more open and grand appearance. This newly opened space has further enhanced the basilica’s visibility and importance.
In addition to its architectural beauty, the St. Francis Basilica gained special recognition on May 28, 2017, when it was granted the title of basilica minor. This honor highlights the church’s importance both locally and within the larger Catholic community. Furthermore, it emphasizes the basilica’s spiritual role in the town.
Today, the basilica continues to be a vibrant place of worship. It stands as a symbol of Bolsward’s rich history and enduring faith. Visitors from all over come to admire its beauty, learn about its history, and experience its religious significance.
Connectivity to Basilica of St. Francis, Bolsward, Netherlands
Airways
The nearest airport to Bolsward is Leeuwarden Airport, which is about 45 km away. Leeuwarden is a regional airport offering flights from other parts of the Netherlands and nearby countries. However, the largest international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, located about 130 km from Bolsward. From there, you can take a train or rent a car to reach Bolsward.
Railways
The nearest major railway station to Bolsward is Sneek Railway Station, located around 10 km from the Basilica of St. Francis. From Sneek, you can take a local bus or taxi to Bolsward. The town is well connected to major Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Leeuwarden, and Groningen via the Dutch railway network.
Roadways
Bolsward is easily accessible by car from major cities in the Netherlands. The town is well connected by road, and you can take the A7 highway from Leeuwarden or Amsterdam to reach Bolsward. For public transport, the nearest bus station is in Bolsward’s town center, and regular buses run to and from Leeuwarden and Sneek.
If you’re traveling by bus, Bolsward is about 25 km from Leeuwarden, and there are direct bus services that take around 30-40 minutes.
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