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Sint-Janskathedraal in 's Hertogenbosch.

Saint-John's Cathedral in den Bosch.

There used to be a Romanesque church on the spot where St. John's Church now stands. Construction probably started in 1220 and lasted until 1340. However, around 1370, possibly after its elevation to a collegiate church, this church gradually began to be replaced by a new church in Gothic style. The choir was probably completed around 1415, the transept around 1470, after which the nave was completed. From 1480 to 1496 the lavish Blessed Sacrament Chapel was added north of the choir. This chapel was used by the Illustre Lieve Vrouwe Broederschap. The Romanesque church, except for parts of the Romanesque tower, was demolished in 1505. Finally, a high crossing tower was built. The Gothic St. John was completed around 1530.

This Gothic St. John's was, as it were, built over its predecessor. Parts of the Romanesque church are still preserved. Originally, the old tower was also going to be demolished, but due to a lack of money this did not happen. The new tower of Sint-Jan was planned across the street. When this was abandoned, they had to improvise to adapt the church. This is clearly visible from the vaults in the side naves: at the place where they should connect to the Lady Chapel and the Baptistery respectively, the vaults are no longer correct: arches stop halfway, vault additions are not completed, etc. On the outside it is also clearly visible, because the 19th century westernmost windows are narrower than the rest of the windows.

The organ

The large organ in St. John's Cathedral in 's-Hertogenbosch is one of the most important organs in the Netherlands. The organ case of this organ is one of the most monumental from the Renaissance in the (Southern) Netherlands.

This organ has a long history that starts with its construction in the period 1618-1638 by Floris Hocque II, Hans Goltfuss and Germer von Hagerbeer. The rood loft and organ case were built by Frans Simons, a carpenter who probably came from Leiden. The sculpture of the organ case was carved by Gregor Schysler from Tyrol, who, like Floris Hocque, was based in Cologne.

The organ has been renovated, expanded and/or improved by several organ builders in recent centuries.