Mariakerk Ruinen - Church

The Maria Church in Ruinen was originally part of the Benedictine monastery of Ruinen, called the Maria Abbey. In the 13th century the abbey was moved to Dickninge and today the remains of the vaults of the former abbey can still be seen in the cellar of the presbytery in Ruinen. In the 14th century, the Catherine Chapel was built on the southeast side of the church on the initiative of Jan van Runen and his wife Zwedera van Runen. In 1836, the chapel and choir of the church were demolished during a restoration.

Originally the church was Romanesque in style, but in the 15th century it underwent a major renovation and got its current Gothic appearance. During the same period, the church tower was built, presumably by 'Johan die Werckmeister' from Ruinen.

A mural of the annunciation can be seen on the inner wall on the north side of the church and dates from the beginning of the 16th century. century. The gentlemen's pews in the church date from the 17th century.