Hoofdwacht (13e Eeuw)

About

Between May and September, the Hoofdwacht is open to the public from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free. You can walk through this old building or admire the exhibition by the Historische Vereniging Haerlem. The Hoofdwacht, located at Grote Markt 17, is one of the oldest and most interesting monuments in Haarlem and is likely the oldest stone house in the city. Haarlem was granted city rights in 1245, and this building dates from around the same time. It was probably built as the residence of one of the count's top advisors. There is evidence suggesting that this house was also used as the city hall in the 13th and 14th centuries. In practice, this would have meant that the city government occasionally held meetings here. This continued until 1370, when the current city hall was completed.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes