Oudenbosch Basilica: St. Pieter of the north

Oudenbosch - Yamoussoukro -Vatican City

Oudenbosch - What is the similarity between the Dutch Oudenbosch, Yamoussoukro in Ivory Coast and Vatican City? Although the dimensions differ, both the basilica of the H.H. Agatha and Barbara and the Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix in Ivory Coast both based on the famous Sint Pieter in Vatican City.

Basilica major Oudenbosch

Pope Pius X granted a hundred years ago the H.H. Agatha and Barbarakerk in Oudenbosch the honorary title basilica minor . The church is 81 meters long and 55 meters wide. The huge dome is 63 meters high and towers high above the town and the surrounding area. In 1865, when construction started, only 3500 people lived in Oudenbosch. Despite the small population, the then pastor Willem Hellemons was determined to build a grand church to Roman example.

Agreements and differences between Oudenbosch and Rome

The content of this Basilica major approx. 16 times smaller than the real Sint Pieter in Rome. Another difference is the finish. Large quantities of marble are incorporated into the basilica in Rome. In Oudenbosch the walls of the interior are 'marbled' with paint. This does not detract from the impressive building.