Basilica and Peperbus by OlafS
The O.L. Vrouwekerk ('church of Our Lady') is the only medieval church in Zwolle that has a tower. This tower, called Peperbus ("pepperpot") has become one of the symbols of the city. The church was built after ca. 1463. It's a one-aisled cruciform church, which is rare in The Netherlands, especially at this size. After the Reformation the building was used for various purposes. In 1809 it was returned to the catholics. Although the church looks quite big from the outside it looks remarkably small inside. The difference is explained by the very thick walls. Although a catholic church there isn't much to see inside, except for the choir area.The church was granted the honorary title of Basilica Minor by the pope in 1999. Architecture-technically speaking the church isn't a basilica at all because it is only one aisle wide.
