Waalse Kerk, Gothic church in Begijnhof, Haarlem, Netherlands
Waalse Kerk is a church from medieval times with stone walls and an upper gallery situated within a residential community area in Haarlem. A bell tower with a historic bell dating to 1512 defines the building's silhouette.
The building began in 1348 as a monastery chapel and underwent major transformation in the 16th century. French-speaking refugees found shelter there and converted it into a Protestant space.
The church serves as a gathering place for French-speaking residents and maintains services in their language as a core part of community identity. Regular musical performances here reflect the space's role in bringing people together across different backgrounds.
The building serves as a venue where different rooms are used for gatherings and cultural programs. Visitors should check in advance what activities or access times currently apply.
The 1808 organ houses a hidden mechanical clock system in its attic space that controls a timepiece displayed on its front. This concealed craftsmanship reveals the technical skill of builders from centuries past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
