|
Indonesia is a land where different religions and communities live in perfect harmony. Nowhere is this more evident than in the famous Gereja Blenduk church located in Jalan Letjen Soprato in Semarang. Semarang’s Gereja Blenduk Church is the oldest Church in Central Java and has become an icon of Semarang. This Protestant Church in Semarang was built by the Dutch community way back in 1753. Since then, every Sunday, the Gereja Blenduk Church comes alive to the sound of hymns and prayers
In 1894 Semarang’s Gereja Blenduk Church underwent extensive renovation, under the guidance of W. Westmaas and H.P.A de Wilde. It is the architecture of the Gereja Blenduk Church that is its very interesting feature and it’s on this account that it’s visited by every tourist in Semarang. Blenduk means “dome” and the large copper dome of this beautiful church is one of its very notable features. Besides, the Gereja Blenduk Church in Semarang has other features characteristic of 18th architecture. The ground plan of this Church is structured on a Greek cross. It also has four pillars and a beautiful classical portico. When in 1894, the Church was being renovated the beauty of this Church was enhanced by the addition of two towers in front of it. The interiors of the Gereja Blenduk Church are original and haven’t ever been tampered with.You can still see the chairs used by the original congregation. A huge organ in the baroque style of the 18th century will capture your attention, as soon as you enter the Church.This organ is really fascinating because it goes back to the 18th century. It can neither be restored nor is it working and it remains as a silent spectator to the Church’s glorious history. Note the iron stairs that lead straight up to the organ specially constructed by Pletterji Den Haag. Once you’re done admiring the oldest Church in Central Java, you can tour Nillmi Building and the other buildings nearby built in Dutch colonial times that are equally worth a visit.
|
