Sint Dominicus Catholic Steiger Church

The Steiger Church was intended as a place of silence and contemplation in the bustling city centre, in particular the separate, independent space of the daily church. This space is positioned perpendicular to the main altar, which faces the 560-seat nave of the main church that is used for Sunday mass. It is accessed through the main entrance on the raised church forecourt. Between the two church spaces is a courtyard with a cloister, which serves as a processional route and promenade for visitors. The courtyard is designed as a stone garden with green flowerbeds and a hexagonal baptistery.

Between the two church spaces is a courtyard with a cloister, which serves as a processional route and promenade for visitors.

Apart from the church spaces, the complex includes a presbytery and parish hall, positioned on opposite sides of the raised forecourt. The spire is free-standing and is largely intended as a point of recognition. Between the spire and the church lies the Chapel of Maria.

The building was designed in the functional style typical of the era, using modern materials such as concrete and glass. The big nave in particular is sober, with untreated concrete columns and a stone floor, plastered blockwork and a wooden ceiling. The modern method of construction with concrete columns made it possible to introduce a strip of fenestration beneath the roof, so that it appears to float. The austerity of the structure, spaces and materials is compensated for by the application of art and ornamentation. Decorative brickwork is applied on the rear facade and on the belfry. The most important artwork is the large stained-glass concrete wall on the entrance side by Berend Hendriks. Eight metres wide and six tall, the window was only added four years after the building opened. It depicts the Biblical story of the Exodus. God asks Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. They travel towards the Promised Land, with God leading the way, accompanied by the heavenly colours of blue and red. The creator of this image received a lot of praise:

The building contains a lot of applied art. The cornice on the front facade and the tip of the spire feature a decorative concrete relief by Pim van Moorsel. A statue of St Paul by Jan Vlasblom stands in front of the south facade. Stone mosaics by Theo Mols adorn the entrance and interior. The Way of the Cross features fifteen stations (the customary fourteen as well as the risen Christ) made up of small copper engravings by Jan Noyons based on drawings by Lambertus Simons.

A designated national monument since 2016, the Steiger Church is still in use today. And not just for religious activities, because various spaces inside the church are available for hire. The church website states the following: Located on the only canal in Rotterdam, between the offices on Blaak and the shops on Hoogstraat, is the Steiger Church. Open to contemplate, to encounter, to light a candle, to celebrate and to enjoy activities: welcome!

Architect: Kraaijvanger

Location: Hang 18

Year: 1957-1960

National Heritage Site