The St. Bavo Church in Haarlem

An incredible historic church to visit! The brochure was very good to read as we explored the church that dates back 500 years. The organ, with its perfectly maintained 5068 pipes is a must see (Mozart played it as a 10 year old). We wished there was a concert scheduled while here in Haarlem but unfortunately not. The 1434 altar and the choir screen are incredible! There is a 4 euro entrance fee. We have no problem paying such a fee to enter a church. Churches are museums! There are toilets too!

What an incredible sight to see! The history of the church is amazing. The floors are actually tombs with the black stone, so old it's worn. The metallic bird is from the 1400s. The organ was played my Mozart & Handel. The statue in the corner is also from the 1400s. It was originally part of the exterior, you can't really see how the weather had eroded over centuries.

Beautiful old church in the middle of one of the greatest city squares in the world. We spent a wonderful hour touring the church and listening to the organ being played. Both Handel and Mozart played on that same organ. The ladies in the ticket office/gift shop were incredibly kind and helpful. There are plenty of places on the square to grab a drink or a meal, all with amazing views of the church. Such a pleasant, relaxing place.

The cathedral is located a bit outside Haarlem’s main city center. Unfortunately, we arrived during the rain and outside of the church’s opening hours, so we couldn’t go inside. Still, from the outside, the church is large and beautifully built — an impressive sight even in gloomy weather. It's a shame we couldn’t explore the interior, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area during opening hours.

Beautiful church and the organ inside was amazing - unfortunately my experience was marred by a prejudiced interaction with one of the attendants in the shop (where you pay to get in). She questioned my decision for an English pamphlet and basically stated that because I look Indian physically - that I couldn’t possibly speak English even though our whole conversation took place in English. Her exact words were “are you sure?” When I asked her what language she thought I spoke, she looked shocked I talked back and blurted out “Italian”. Like be for real, no one would think I was Italian. Maybe she felt emboldened because I was by myself but it took away from the whole experience and I did not observe her saying this to anyone else.

The St. Bavo Church in Haarlem is truly stunning and a must-visit if you’re in the city. The architecture is absolutely breathtaking, both from the outside with its grand Gothic design and inside with its soaring ceilings, beautiful stained glass windows, and the famous Müller organ, which was once played by Mozart himself. The atmosphere is calm and awe-inspiring, filled with a sense of history and grandeur. Walking through the church feels like stepping back in time. The details in the stonework, wood carvings, and organ pipes are incredible. It’s not just a religious site but a cultural gem that adds so much to Haarlem’s charm. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just love discovering beautiful places, St. Bavo is well worth a visit. Highly recommended! The St. Bavo Church in Haarlem, also known as the Grote Kerk, has a long and fascinating history. It was built on the site of older churches, with construction of the current Gothic-style building starting around 1370 and finishing by 1520. It replaced a smaller Romanesque church that had become too small and had been damaged by fire. The church was originally a Catholic cathedral, dedicated to Saint Bavo, a nobleman from the 7th century who later became a monk. It was one of the most important religious buildings in the area. In 1578, during the Protestant Reformation, Haarlem adopted Protestantism, and the church became part of the Dutch Reformed Church. Many Catholic decorations and altars were removed or painted over to reflect the simpler Calvinist style. One of the church’s most famous features is the large Müller organ, installed in 1738. It’s one of the most impressive organs in the world and was played by famous musicians like Mozart, Handel, and Mendelssohn. Today, the church is no longer used for regular religious services but is open to visitors. It hosts concerts, exhibitions, and tours, and remains one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in Haarlem.

DOG FRIENDLY!!! We visited when the mighty church organ was being played and our usually nervous pooch was unconcerned. Staff were really friendly.

The church is one of Haarlem’s most iconic landmarks, combining Gothic architecture with remarkable history. Built between the late 14th and early 16th centuries in the Brabantine Gothic style, it was originally dedicated as a Roman Catholic cathedral. After the Reformation, it became a Protestant church. The church is named after St. Bavo, a nobleman-turned-monk from Flanders, remembered as a patron saint of Ghent and a symbol of charity and repentance. Inside, you’ll find the world-famous Müller organ, once played by Mozart and Handel, which remains a highlight for music lovers. It is also said that the renowned painter Frans Hals was buried here, adding yet another layer of cultural significance.

We decided to go to Haarlem for the day. Unfortunately it was Monday and there's not as much opened on Monday but we were lucky to see this beautiful church. There's lots to see and we spent quite a bit time here. The organ is massive and gorgeous and Mozart played on it at the age of 10! We recommend seeing this impressive expansive place.

We decided to stay In Haarlem just a bus 20 minute bus ride from Amsterdam, the church is in the marketplace and is rich with Dutch culture, the gothic church is beautifully decorated with splashes of royal red inside which compliments the Muller Organ wonderfully, the church bells and light are a peaceful reminder of the presence of this wonderful church, inside are graves of the wealthy. Rotted bodies buried underneath large slabs of stone seeped up into the church, this is where the term "Stinking rich" comes from. Don't worry it doesn't smell any longer and added a wonderful touch after returning from other cities and places. We would come up and enjoy the rest of our evenings here peacefully while overlooking the church.

We happened to catch the church just as they were performing a concert on the giant (largest in Holland) pipe organ. The unique thing about this church is that it has a bunch of quirky little items added over the years to make it entertaining and educational. There's a cannonball stuck in the wall here, a giant pendulum hanging from the ceiling over there, a bunch of unlucky people carvings holding up the roof pillars up there and even a dog whipper carved in to stone over there. Plus other unique Dutch things as well such as 3 small Dutch ship models hanging from the ceiling. Not your typical church/cathedral but then again, you need to look close to see them all.

The "Big Church" costs you a moderate 2,50EUR fee but this pays off quickly once you are inside the building. There you'll find Beautifully colored ceilings, windows and original wall paintings (a few of them are from the 1400s!), a small "coffee corner" which serves good but strong coffee and an organ which is breathtakingly huge. At least in the summer, every Thursday and Tuesday there is a concert.

Haarlem is a must visit city! Quick train ride from Amsterdam and this church is only 2.50 euros to enter. The church is beautiful and provides many photo opportunities. We were there on Saturday before Easter and got to hear the choir practicing, wow. The organ is spectacular and both Mozart and Handel played on the organ. Frans Hals is buried here. This church is the subject of paintings by Saenredam. There was also a market in the square outside the church on Saturday! Not a far walk through town across the canals to Molen de Adriaan.