St Janskathedraal

Top choice in Den Bosch


One of the finest churches in the Netherlands, this cathedral took from 1336 to 1550 to complete. The interior has late-Gothic stained-glass windows, an organ case from the 17th century and a much-revered statue of the Madonna which, in May, is the focus of pilgrimages. Take the opportunity to climb the 73m tower, with its carillon and great views.

The exterior is festooned with restored carved figures: on pillars above the south nave, notice that one of a score of new angel statues wears jeans and holds a mobile phone. Added in 2010, the fun if somewhat controversial gimmic is that you can 'phone the angel' on a €0.80 per minute toll line to contribute to the cathedral's further restoration.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Den Bosch attractions

1. Jheronimus Bosch Art Center

0.16 MILES

Housed in the grand, century-old St Jacob's Church, this remarkable museum has reproductions of all 29 known Bosch paintings, brought to life by an…

2. Noordbrabants Museum

0.19 MILES

Housed in the 18th-century former governor's residence, this modern museum uses art and several immersive experiences to give interesting if sometimes…

3. Hieronymus Bosch Statue

0.2 MILES

In the main market square where he was once thought to have lived, this 1929 bronze statue of 15th-century painter Hieronymous Bosch is based on drawings…

4. Design Museum Den Bosch

0.23 MILES

Opened in 2014 and rebranded in 2018, the museum's two large halls offer changing, interactive exhibitions focusing especially on ceramics and jewellery…

5. Stadhuis

0.23 MILES

At the southern edge of Den Bosch's vast, triangular market square, the spired town hall was given its classical baroque appearance in 1670.

6. Kamp Vught National Monument

2.62 MILES

Around 6km southwest of Den Bosch, Kamp Vught was a WWII labour and transit camp operated by the Nazi SS. Some 31,000 captives passed through, including…

7. Heusden

7.99 MILES

Picture-postcard little Heusden features antique tile-roofed houses, post-mills, minibridge and lovely inner yacht-harbour all wrapped in a fortified…

8. Textile Museum

12.75 MILES

Winner of the Netherlands' 2017 'museum of the year' award, this innovative place celebrates, and continues the production of, original textiles – an…