Haarlem is a city of Netherlands capital of the Province of North Holland, bordered by the Spaarne river. It is located about twenty kilometers from Amsterdam, and the beauty of its architecture, canals, mills, houses and the surrounding landscape embellished with tulip fields, together with the elegance of its historical heritage, make it a precious tourist destination in the heart of Europe.
Founded in the 10th century the city of Haarlem it was recognized as a municipality in 1245 when it became the capital of the County of Holland and was surrounded by a defensive wall. The flourishing period for the city's economy occurred in the 1572th century thanks to trade and the loom industry, but in XNUMX during the war against Spain Haarlem underwent seven long months of siege which ended with the extermination of the population and the arrest of its economic development.
Subsequently, by welcoming the Protestant refugees who arrived from Antwerp and France, the city redeemed itself by becoming one of the most active cities, especially in the artistic and cultural field, so much so that it boasted a painting school. To find out more, visit the Frans Hals Museum which houses the most important collection of paintings from the Haarlem School.
Once you arrive in Haarlem you will be greeted by a pleasant atmosphere; the village of Holland is fun and relaxing at the same time. In the old City testimonies are preserved that will take you back in time, making you imagine what life could have been like in the ancient fortified village. Start your tour from the main square, the Grote Mark, the beating heart of the city of Haarlem and the place where the ancient large market takes place.
Surrounded by imposing and luxurious buildings, the Grote Mark houses the statue of Laurens Jaszoon to whom the Dutch credit the invention of printing, even a decade before Gutenberg. Admire the Big church the church dating back to the 14th century in late Brabant Gothic style; inside there is an organ built in the first half of the 16th century where illustrious names such as Handel, Mozart and Shubert have performed beautiful pieces.
After visiting the Grote Kerk go to "De Hallen" which is located right in front; it is a seventeenth-century building once used as a meat market and now converted into art center which hosts special contemporary art exhibitions. Looking on the opposite side of the square you will see the Municipal Palace, the Renaissance-style Standhuise; the construction of the building began in the mid-13th century and ended in the 17th century.
A few steps from Grote Mark Square we recommend you reach the Teyler's Museum dedicated to sciences and arts. A rich collection of scientific instruments, fossils and minerals awaits you and in particular over 4.000 drawings by great masters such as Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Raphael.
Along the way, take the opportunity to look around a bit and go in search of the courtesies (courtyards with attached beautiful gardens) for which Haarlem is known. These are beautiful green spaces hidden among the streets frequented by guests of luxurious hospices that were nearby, such as the Oudemannehuis. Furthermore, as you walk you will see several small places with outdoor tables where you can refresh yourself and drink a good craft beer.
An obligatory stop on your Haarlem visit itinerary is the Molen de Adriaan, the windmill built in 1778 on the remains of an old fortified tower and subsequently rebuilt in 1932 after suffering a fire. The panoramic position on the Spaarne river will encourage your desire to access the 12 meter high external platform and the structure itself will intrigue you to the point of wanting to see it in operation: through a guided tour you can do both.
If you have the opportunity to visit Haarlem in spring, between the months of April and May, the spectacle of the tulips blooming in the Bollenstreek, the bulb region between Amsterdam, Den Haag and the sea. Many people attribute the paternity of the "land of tulips" to the most famous Amsterdam, but in reality it is Haarlem that is recognized as the homeland of these beautiful flowers. We recommend that you rent a bicycle to enjoy the riot of colors of the many neatly cultivated strips of land with every pedal stroke.
