Grote Kerk, Haarlem (Great Church, St. Bavokerk)

he Grote Kerk is a Protestant church and former Catholic cathedral located on the central market square in Haarlem.

This church is an important landmark for the city of Haarlem and has dominated the city skyline for centuries. It is built in the Gothic style of architecture, and it became the main church of Haarlem after renovations in the 15th century made it significantly larger than the Janskerk (Haarlem). First mention of a church on this spot was made in 1307, but the wooden structure burned in the 14th century. The church was rebuilt and promoted to chapter church in 1479 and only became a cathedral in 1559. The main architects were Godevaert de Bosscher and Steven van Afflighem, and Evert van Antwerpen. The term "Catholic" was never really associated with this church, since it was only consecrated as a cathedral in 1559, which was already in the middle of the period known as the Protestant Reformation.

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Tower

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, organ

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, organ

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, organ detail

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, organ detail

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, pulpit

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, roof

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, roof

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, small organ

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, wooden dog

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, one of many gravestones used as flooring

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, one of many gravestones used as flooring

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, one of many gravestones used as flooring

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, one of many gravestones used as flooring

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, one of many gravestones used as flooring

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, stained glass window

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Grote Kerk Haarlem

Interior, stained glass window

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