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Square · Haarlem, Holanda Setentrional
Grote Markt
Haarlem's main square, with the church of São Bavão, the town hall and the statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster, a printing pioneer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grote Markt
The Grote Markt has been the centre of Haarlem since the Middle Ages. Before it was paved, the square was called 't Sant, 'the sand'. Around it are the Grote of Sint-Bavokerk, more than 80 metres high, and the town hall (stadhuis), a group of buildings from different periods.
In the middle of the square stands the statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster, known to locals as Loutje. Coster was a pioneer of movable-type printing, and for a long time in the Netherlands he was credited as the inventor of the technique. Tradition says he lived at number 23 on the square.
The square hosts a weekly market, a funfair in summer and, in the third week of August, the Haarlem Jazz & More festival. On ordinary days, cafés occupy the pavement in front of the church.
From the Grote Markt run the centre's shopping streets, such as the Grote Houtstraat, and the alleys that lead to the Spaarne, the Teylers Museum and the De Adriaan windmill.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour to walk around and see the façades; more if you sit in a café.
Best time
Early in the morning the square is empty and good for photos. In the late afternoon and evening, with tables on the pavement, it becomes lively. On market days there are food and flower stalls.
How to get there
About ten minutes' walk from Haarlem station, heading south along the Jansweg and Smedestraat.
Tip
The square is the natural starting point for the centre: the church, the two museums and the hofjes are a few minutes' walk away. Watch out for bicycles when crossing.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grote Markt
Who is the statue in the middle of the square?
It's Laurens Janszoon Coster, a pioneer of movable-type printing, nicknamed by the locals Loutje.
Is there a market at the Grote Markt?
Yes, there is a weekly market on the square. Check the day before you go.
Is the square far from the station?
No, it's about a ten-minute walk from Haarlem station.