St. Trudo Church Eindhoven – Catholic church in Strijp
St. Trudo Church is located on Strijpsestraat in Oud-Strijp, the historic village center of a community that was not incorporated into Eindhoven until 1920. Today, Strijp is best known for Philips, but the religious community predates industry by centuries: as early as 1402, a church dedicated to Saint Trudo is mentioned here. The parish was originally affiliated with the Abbey of Sint-Truiden.
That medieval church was in the hands of the Reformed from 1648 to 1798; during that time, Catholics worshiped in barn churches. When they returned, the building was dilapidated. Between 1884 and 1887, a new church was built a hundred meters away, designed by C. van Dijk, a student of Pierre Cuypers. It was consecrated in June 1887—as a three-aisled Neo-Gothic cruciform basilica, and initially without a tower.
That tower would not be built for decades. It was not until after a severe fire in 1936 that the church acquired its current appearance. During the restoration in 1937–1938, led by architects Louis Kooken and Kees de Bever, a west tower and two outer side aisles were added, transforming the church into a five-aisled structure. An octagonal baptistery was also built. The spired tower is approximately 46 meters tall; inside the tower hangs a set of three bells, the largest of which is named after the pastor who had championed its construction for many years.
In September 1944, the church was again severely damaged, this time by bombs during the fighting surrounding Operation Market Garden. The restoration lasted until 1949. The interior bears witness to the many phases of construction: the main organ is a Verschueren organ from 1937, and the church is a municipal monument.
Today, St. Trudo Church is home to two communities. In addition to the parishioners from Strijp, the Polish parish of Eindhoven gathers here on Sundays; it has held official status since 2019. As a result, the church is well-attended on Sunday mornings. Everyone is welcome to visit during opening hours.
Opening hours
- Church: Thursday 8:30–9:45 a.m. and Sunday 9:00–10:45 a.m. (services of the Polish parish)
- Church Community Center: Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Address and contact
Church
Strijpsestraat 129, 5616 GM Eindhoven
Parish Community Center
Strijpsestraat 131, 5616 GM Eindhoven
Phone: (040) 251 10 27
Email: kwcstrijp@parochiesintjoris.nl
Sources
Pastoral Center
Sint Jorislaan 51,
5614 AA Eindhoven