In 1486, the first stone of the church tower was laid, and construction continued for 46 years until the tower was completed. For a long time, the tower was visible from a great distance, but not yet audible. There were no church bells. To solve this, bells were cast for the tower at the request of the priest.
Over time, the tower experienced a lot, including lightning strikes in 1702 and damage during World War II, which caused large cracks. At the end of 2013, the tower was delivered after a major restoration and was as good as new.
Various activities are organised in the tower, including climbing it.
For centuries, a story has been circulating in the Land van Cuijk about these church bells. The priest had the church bells cast. He was warned: "Be sure to consecrate the bells before you hang them!"
But in his enthusiasm, he was too fast with the consecration and had forgotten the small bell. On a stormy Christmas night, the bell went wild, and the devil got hold of it. The Duvelsklökske has never been found again, but sometimes, on a quiet Christmas night, you can still hear the Duvelsklökske if you open your windows in Sambeek...
Photo: ©Visit Brabant
Saint John’s Tower Sambeek
Grotestraat 54
5826 AH
Sambeek
Contact details
W: https://www.visitbrabant.com/nl/locaties/sint-janstoren-sambeek
Opening hours | |
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Open 24 hours |