Kerkmuseum Jannum
Medieval church on the terp (dwelling mound) of Jannum, now a museum with sarcophagi, gravestones and church artworks.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The church of Jannum stands on a dwelling mound (terp) in the fertile Kleiland between Dokkum and Burdaard. Its oldest parts date back at least to the 13th century; it was built in several sections, at a time when Romanesque architecture was giving way to Gothic. Round arches and pointed arches therefore stand side by side. It is often said that Jannum was an outer court of the Klaarkamp Cistercian monastery; this is not documented, but the monks' knowledge probably played a role in the construction.
After the Reformation of 1580, the interior was converted for Protestant services. Later the building fell into such disrepair that restoration became unavoidable. It took place from 1943 to 1948 under the direction of architect Jo Vegter and archaeologist P. Glazema. The excavations uncovered, among other things, a long-built-over altar stone with consecration crosses. Since this restoration the church has been set up as a museum; services are no longer held.
The collection belongs to the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden, which previously used Jannum as a branch. On view are a large number of sarcophagi and gravestones of red sandstone, a holy water font with satyr heads, and the fragment of a 14th-century rood screen. The building has been owned since September 2022 by the Stichting Monumentenbehoud Noardeast-Fryslân; its care is entrusted to a local caretaking couple.
Highlights
- Medieval church on a terp, with parts dating from the 13th century
- Large collection of red sandstone sarcophagi and gravestones
- Holy water font with satyr heads
- Rood screen fragment from the 14th century
Permanent exhibition
- Kirchenmuseum Jannum: Sarkophage, Grabplatten und Kirchenkunst – The church itself is the exhibit: red sandstone sarcophagi and gravestones, a holy water font with satyr heads and remains of a medieval rood screen.
- Operated by
- Stichting Monumentenbehoud Noardeast-Fryslân (Eigentümerin der Kirche); Sammlung des Fries Museum
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
No fixed admission: visitors pay at their own discretion.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The church stands on the terp in the village of Jannum, between Dokkum and Burdaard.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours and visits outside opening hours on request to the caretaker. |
