Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Grote Kerk
shops—selling jewelry, souvenirs, haircuts, and artwork in the col-
onnaded former fish market—harkening back to medieval times,
when religion and commerce were more intertwined. The little
shops around the cathedral have long been church-owned, rented
out to bring in a little cash.
During the day, a machine plays music on the bells of the
Grote Kerk's carillon (live carillonneurs play occasionally). If you're
in Haarlem at night, you'll hear the carillon chiming a simple “de
dong dong, de dong dong” (“Don't worry, be hap-py”) at 21:00. In
days gone by, this used to warn citizens that the city gates would
soon close for the night.
• Enter the church at Oude Groenmarkt 23 (look for the small
Entrée
sign). Stand in the center of the church and take it all in.
Interior
Simple white walls, a black floor, a brown ceiling, and a mahogany-
colored organ make this spacious church feel vast, light, and airy.
Considering it was built during a span of 150 years, its architecture
is surprisingly homogenous. Originally, much of the interior was
painted in bright patterns, similar to the carpet-like frescoes on
