Religious heritage in Wassenaar – Keeping the church at the center

Religious buildings and sites have been an important part of Wassenaar’s village landscape for centuries. Whether it’s the village church, the Goede Herderkerk, or the Jewish cemetery, they are all special historical sites. They enhance the quality of the living environment, tell stories about our history, and provide spaces for people to gather and engage with their surroundings. 

At the same time, society is changing, and with it, the way places of worship are used. That is why it is important for us to reflect together on the future of this valuable heritage and how it can continue to enrich our communities.

A shared vision

The vision document “Keeping the Church at the Center” was drafted in collaboration with church councils, heritage specialists, residents, and other stakeholders. The document outlines how we can manage religious buildings and their associated heritage in a careful and sustainable manner, while taking into account the various interests and roles involved. As such, it provides a solid foundation for making joint decisions in the future.

Why this vision?

Religious heritage is inextricably linked to the history of Wassenaar and contributes to a distinctive and livable environment.

A shared vision helps provide direction on key issues, such as:

  • preservation of buildings and heritage
  • future use
  • repurposing
  • and, where necessary, sales 

This is how we ensure that these places will continue to hold significance in the future.

What do we mean by religious heritage?

Religious heritage encompasses the entire “church ecosystem”:

  • Places of worship, such as churches, mosques, and synagogues
  • Related structures, such as cemeteries, parsonages, and outbuildings
  • Interiors, works of art, and liturgical objects
  • Stories, traditions, and archives 

Together, these elements constitute the historical, cultural, and social value of religious sites.

How do we move forward together?

The vision outlines how the municipality addresses future developments and how these are translated into policy. The following principles are central to this approach:

  • Respect for heritage values
  • Collaboration with property owners and affected communities
  • Room for new, suitable roles
  • Balancing preservation and future-proof use 

The municipality plays a supportive and facilitating role. Property owners retain control, but work together with the municipality and other parties toward a single goal: preserving meaningful religious sites in Wassenaar.

Continued

The municipal executive has submitted the vision document to the city council with a proposal to adopt it at the meeting on June 2, 2026. The Physical Environment Committee will review the document on May 18. Once adopted, the vision will serve as a building block for Wassenaar’s Environmental Vision.

Learn more

The vision statement is available for download below. You can also watch the video, which provides an overview of the religious heritage in Wassenaar. If you have any questions, please contact erfgoed@wassenaar.nl.

Documents