The church of Zanddijk - Veere

The indirect cause of the Eighty Years' War lies in the iconoclasm that took place in the Low Countries in 1566. Statues and utensils in Catholic churches were destroyed by Protestants. The Duke of Alva had to restore order. To achieve this, Spanish soldiers had to be increasingly sheltered in the following years. As a result, the people revolted.

At this central spot once stood the church of Zanddijk. On 11 May 1572, 200 well-trained Orangist soldiers arrived in Veere. Immediately upon arrival, this troop began looting and burning all Roman Catholic institutions around the town. This included the church of Zanddijk. On Walcheren, only the church of Gapinge came out of the battle somewhat undamaged. The rest of the church buildings were used as bunkers during the battle.

Because the houses in Zandkerk were built as a ring around the church, the church grounds are still easily recognisable. The church itself was never rebuilt due to the declining number of parishioners in the community. All that remains is the cemetery.

Take a tour around the church to get an idea of the dimensions of the structure.