Hoofdwacht (Guard House)
De Hoofdwacht is a historical building on the Grote Markt in Haarlem. It was built in the 13th century. The facade dates from circa 1650 and traces in the wall indicate that this is one of the oldest buildings in the city. From 1250 to around 1350 it served as the first city hall of Haarlem. After that, various important families lived in the house. The lower part of the house was used as a printer, a shop and a beer storage place.
The famous humanist Dirck Volckerszoon Coornhert has worked in the Hoofdwacht.
On May 17th, 1755 the building was bought by the municipality to serve as headquarters for the city guards. Since 1919 the building is occupied by the historical association Historische vereniging Haerlem.
Opening hours
May - September – just on the weekends
Sights in the Haarlem area
- Amsterdamse Poort
- Central Railway Station
- Frans Hals Museum
- Haarlems Secret Gardens
- St Bavo Catholic Cathedral
- St Bavo Protestant Cathedral
- Teyler Museum
- Theater De Toneelschuur
- The Adriaan Windmill
- The Corrie ten Boom House
- Town Hall
- Villa Welgelegen
- Vleeshal (Meat Hall)
- Vroom and Dreesmann Building
