Heilige Jacobus de Meerdere (Saint James the Greater Church), Hague

Saint James the Greater Church (Heilige Jacobus de Meerdere) in The Hague, is a noteworthy example of 19th-century neo-Gothic architecture, designed by the renowned architect Pierre Cuypers. The patron saint of the church and parish is the Apostle James the Greater, who is also the patron saint of The Hague.

Constructed between 1875 and 1878, this Roman Catholic parish church is characterized by its cruciform basilica structure with three aisles. A standout feature is its semi-built church tower, topped with a hexagonal spire, reaching a height of 94 meters. This makes it the tallest church tower in The Hague.

The church's unique design includes buttresses placed inside the walls, an innovative approach by Cuypers to maximize the use of available space. This element, along with its rich polychromy, murals, and tiled floors, contributes to the church's distinction as the most expensive Dutch church of the 19th century.

Inside, the church houses two organs. The main organ, built by Adema/Scheurs, was originally constructed in 1890 for the Spaarne Church in Haarlem. It was relocated to Saint James the Greater Church in 1978, where it was expanded and adapted, now featuring 57 stops over three manuals and a pedal, with electro/pneumatic traction. Additionally, a smaller altar organ by Jos Laus, installed in 2016, consists of 16 stops over two manuals and a pedal, with electro/mechanical traction.

The church is not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub, hosting the Saint James Church Concerts Committee's year-round organ and choral singing concerts.