Aalten (G): reformed church or Helenakerk
The old church of Aalten is also known as Helenakerk, a reminder of its
catholic origins. Its oldest part is the late-Romanesque tower, which
was built in c. 1200 and heightened in c. 1400, still in Romanesque
style. With the exception of the tower, the original Romanesque church
was replaced by the current Gothic three-aisled pseudo-basilica in the
15th century. In c.1440 the current Gothic choir was built, followed by
the three eastern traves of the nave. After the Romanesque nave had
been demolished, the western half of the nave was built in 1470-1483.
The border between the two phases is marked by the buttresses between
the third and fourth traces, which point forward.
The church was restored in 1898-1903 with plans by J.Th.J. Cuypers and
J.W. Boerbooms. The current spire on the tower was added in 1930.
