Haarlem, The Netherlands
japra | May 21, 2008 | Comments 10
Just as Rick Steves promised, Haarlem is darling and well-preserved–a living museum, really. I mean, you can just imagine people walking around in their traditional Dutch attire. By the way, I don’t know if you can tell, but these are over sized wooden shoes. If you take a look at the brick pavers, you’ll get a better idea of the scale.
We visited Haarlem on a Sunday, not a lot of choice on that since Mr. DJ had to work for the rest of the week. Unfortunately there wasn’t a whole lot open on Sunday.
That’s okay because sometimes it’s just enough to just enjoy a city for its beauty. And after five or so hours walking around in busy Amsterdam the day before, Haarlem was just the ticket for us on this cold and somewhat rainy Sunday. This is in the Grote Market or Central Market Square.
Here’s a statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster who many believe invented printing in 1423, 16 years before Gutenberg.
I really wanted to see the Grote Kerk Sint-Bavokerk, built between 1400 and 1550, but it was closed. Look how huge it is! Inside is the famous early 18th century organ, which lured many famous musicians to the city. Both Handel and Mozart played here. 
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The buildings along it are gorgeous and so well maintained.
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A very cool bridge over the river. My tour book (Eyewitness Travel Guides Holland) says this is the Gravestenenbrug, I can’t tell if that’s its proper name or a type of bridge. Anyway, it’s drawbridge for pedestrians and bicycles.
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A brick bridge over a canal. It looks so low, but boats really can go under.
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Cute door hardware.
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And signs over archways.
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Hope this isn’t your boat…
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As you can see, we had a lovely visit to Haarlem. And you can too! It’s less than 20 minutes on the train from Amsterdam and about 40 minutes from Den Haag. If you’re looking for European charm at a slower pace, Haarlem is it.
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And before I sign off…
Happy Birthday to our dear Mama DJ.
Filed Under: Blog
That looks like the perfect place to visit. I love well-preserved historical places.
I would love to go to Holland sometime to trace my Dutch roots. I wish I had had the chance to go when I lived in England, but I’m sure one day I’ll get a chance.
Thanks for showing us all the beauty of these places!
Alyson–It was so pretty there. I kept going “Oh!” and “Ooooo!” and “Look!”. I really do recommend Haarlem.
Thanks for your continued support and your kind words :-)
Stunning!
I must go visit. I’ve been dying to go since reading Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister.
Those pictures really bring it to life.
Thank you for pointing out this size of the shoes, they must be huge!
Brave Sir Robin–Oh I wish I had known about that book before I went to Haarlem. No matter, it goes on my “to read” list. Thank you!
And haha–the red shoes were big, but you should have seen the huge wooden shoe in front of a tourist shop in Delft. It was big enough for an adult to sit in it.
Wow! Of all the gorgeous pictures you’ve posted, I think I might like these the best. Amazing. You know, sometimes a place just touches you. I actually think I’ve dreamed of some of those streets.
Happy Birthday to Mama DJ!
We never made it to Haarlem . . . and now I wish that we did. Looking at your pictures reminds me how they help keep memories fresh. So, so beautiful — you are very clever!
BTW, I really like you new “postcard” header! It is always initially disconcerting when people change up their blog, but I think this header is wonderful. It really captures what you are about.
We have a picture of my littlest daughter sitting in some similar wooden shoes — but in the main square in Delft.
Bee–I started a project on my FLICKR site: a photo a day for a year. It’s a visual diary of sorts. I’m in week five, and it’s been a very interesting experience so far.
And the shoe in Delft–was it the big yellow one? If yes, I have a photo of Roxi in it too!
Thanks for the nice comments about my new header.
Yep, it was the big yellow shoe!
Maybe with enough “exposure” (get it? photography joke) to you and BSR I will start taking some pictures. But I will have to FIND my camera first. I am definitely in PHOTO 101.
Bee–I would love to see your photos!!