The Walburgis church is a marvellous combination of austere, massive brickwork and exuberant Gothic style. During WWII, one of the worst battles of the war took place near the Walburgis church: the Battle of Arnhem
The abbey of Prüm in Germany has held many possessions in Arnhem since early times, and due to that, has exerted considerable influence. In 1315, a second religious institution came to Arnhem: the chapter of Saint Walburgis from Tiel. The chapter had been expelled by the inhabitants of Tiel. Count Reinoud I of Gelre permitted the cannons to settle in Arnhem, on condition that he was allowed to stay overnight with them whenever he came to Arnhem.
Walburgis Church
The canons built their own church in the 14th century, the Walburgis church. It is a marvellous combination of austere, massive brickwork and exuberant Gothic style. After the church was taken over in 1579 by the Protestants, the building served for a time as a military prison and arsenal. Louis Napoleon gave the church back to the Roman Catholics in 1808.
Restoration
In the meantime, the church had fallen into considerable decay. During a large-scale restoration in 1851, the Leiden architect, Molkenboer, wanted to add all kinds of Gothic elements. This was not entirely successful, as shortly after completion in 1854 the left tower collapsed. During WWII, one of the worst battles of the war took place near the Walburgis church: the Battle of Arnhem. The church was almost entirely destroyed. Following a radical rebuilding and restoration, the church was appointed as Basilica Minor in 1964 by the Pope.
Relics
The Walburgis church owns a number of important ecclesiastical treasures. For example, relics of St Walburgis and St Eusebius are held here. The latter came from the Eusebius church.
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