A historic day in Haarlem

Haarlem has a rich historical past. From impressive churches to imposing city gates, the history goes back to the Golden Age. In this blog we take you along some highlights that you should not miss during a historic day in Haarlem.

Grote Kerk
One of the most iconic buildings in Haarlem is the imposing Grote Kerk, also known as Sint-Bavokerk. This Gothic church dominates the city skyline and has a history dating back to the fourteenth century. Inside, you'll find the world-famous Müller Organ, which has been played by composers such as Mozart and Handel. The story goes that Napoleon Bonaparte, who visited the city, was impressed by the church and organ, and ordered their preservation.

​​​​​Town hall:
Haarlem's Town Hall, located on the Grote Markt, is a wonderful example of Dutch classicism. It was built in the fourteenth century and has undergone several extensions and renovations over the centuries. The town hall has served as the setting for important historical events, including the signing of the Plakkaat van Verlatinghe in 1581, declaring the independence of the Netherlands from Spain.

The Teylers Hofje:
In addition to the large monuments, Haarlem is home to charming courtyards that offer a glimpse of daily life in the past. The Teylers Hofje, founded in 1787, is an oasis of peace and beauty. It offers shelter to destitute women and is named after Pieter Teyler van der Hulst, the founder of the Teylers Museum. Stroll through the green courtyard and be enchanted by the serene atmosphere and architectural beauty.

De Waag:
Another notable historic building in Haarlem is the Waag, located on the Spaarne River. Dating back to the fourteenth century, this imposing building originally served as a weighing house for goods transported across the river. It symbolized the importance of Haarlem as a trading city. Nowadays, the Waag houses the Archaeological Museum, where you can take a look at the rich history of Haarlem through archaeological finds.

In addition to the above sights, Haarlem has much more to offer. Do you want to make sure you don't miss anything? Then take a look at our route for the city walk in Haarlem and go out to discover Haarlem!