Sint-Bavokerk (Church of St. Bavo)
Sint-Bavokerk (Church of St. Bavo)
Sint-Bavokerk (Church of St. Bavo)
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
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Address
Neighborhood: Centrum
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672 within 3 miles
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249 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- manfredjestelCologne, Germany607 contributionsThe Leaning Tower of HaarlemOne of the city's landmarks is the St. Bavo Church with its leaning tower, which is due to the non-supporting subsoil (sand). Due to the expected weight, it was decided during construction to make the tower's pillars out of wood rather than stone, which is what gave it the beautiful wooden ceiling. The huge organ, which even the young Mozart was allowed to try out, is particularly impressive. It is definitely worth the entrance fee.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 3, 2024
- MillDawn89Flower Mound, Texas91 contributionsBeautiful!This is beautiful cathedral. For those who love Mozart it was fun to see the gorgeous organ he played when he was 10. When you pay the reasonable admission make sure to grab the guide in your language. It was beautiful inside!Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2024
- irina jLondon, United Kingdom3,542 contributionsGreat historical placeThis cathedral was painted in many great pieces of art in 16-17th. Century. It was amazingly to see the exact spot where this pictures were created. Organ looks great too. Would be fascinating to hear it play during the service .Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 29, 2024
- Michael BWakefield, United Kingdom510 contributionsVery impressive.A very impressive cathedral, which is well worth a visit. The entrance fee is very modest, especially compared to the Oude Kirk and similar establishments in Amsterdam. Pride of place, of course, goes to the huge Muller organ played by both Mozart (aged 10) and Handel.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 13, 2024
- Ann CNashville, Tennessee3,359 contributionsSaint Bavo HaarlemNote: the floor consists of 1500 gravestones! In the evening after 9pm you can hear ringing from 2 small bells, a tradition from 16th century that let the town know that the gates were going to close soon. There is an English brochure available with a map and highlights significant history/dates.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 31, 2024
- Angel TMarbella, Spain8,191 contributionsGothic brick paved tombstonesA surprise church, spectacular for its size and for its exterior and especially interior beauty. Gothic brick church with a peculiar tower. With countless shops attached to it. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the interior surprises with a very tall nave with wooden vaults. The floor was paved with more than 1500 headstones, including Frans Hals. A choir surrounded by huge columns painted red, green and gold and a brass facistol with an eagle pecking at its plumage. The beautiful armchair painted with coats of arms and the gravestone where Frans Hals is buried. All this can be seen through a nice golden grille that prevents access to the choir. At the other end a magnificent and huge organ, one of the best in Europe, they say, from 1735. Handel tried it a few years later and found it excellent. There he also played Mozart in 1766 aged 10. Admission costs €4. The organ was playing during the visit.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 25, 2024
- Mairwen1United Kingdom12,154 contributionsMozart’s Organ & A Floor Made Up of 400+ GravestonesThe imposing Great Church of St Bavo dominates the main square in Haarlem. What you see here was mainly built between 1445 and 1500. It’s a towering building with an ornate spire, and bells that regularly ring out across the square. Compared to the ornate exterior, inside the church is relatively stark, with high white walls and cold grey stone columns, although the effect is somewhat softened by a richly coloured wooden vaulted ceiling and tall stained glass windows. Without a doubt, the highlight here is the massively over-sized and beautifully ornate pipe organ. It’s so big that I totally lost sense of proportion. It was only when a few people walked underneath the 5068 pipes, looking like ants that I realised just how big it was. Mozart famously played this organ when he was just 10 years old. It must have dwarfed the little boy. Every once in a while, a short burst of music played so I sat in one of the pews and just waited and listened. It was magical. A strange and surprising feature here is the church floor. It’s made up of 400+ gravestones belonging to the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents. It’s more than a little eerie to be walking over them although I suppose we should be thankful that they don’t smell. Apparently they used to. In the hottest months, when the air was muggy, the decomposing corpses would start to smell, causing a foul and pungent odour to rise up from below. It’s said that this is where the expression “stinking rich” comes from. Other points of interest include: * the carved choirs with coats of arms on the backs, * 3 large suspended models of Dutch galleons, donated by the shipping guilds * a cannonball from the Eighty Years’ War, lodged in the wall * a gilded eagle lectern c. 1510 * the gravestone of the famous Dutch painter, Frans Hals (this is actually tricky to see because its in the corner of the enclosed choir area) TIPS: * Entry is through a discreet looking side door, via the gift shop. * Cost €4 - well worth it * Make sure to ask for the free map of the church. They have them in several languages. * It’s just a simple folded sheet but it was very good and has enough simple information and a clear floorpan to allow you to do a self-guided tour. NOTE: Confusingly, there is also a Cathedral of St Bavo, a 19th century Catholic building that lies just outside the city centre (it has a separate TA listing under ‘The Grote or St. Bavo Church’).Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 22, 2024
- Toshiyo TIchikawa, Japan12 contributionsGravityThe church was not very large, but it was clean and organized. The manual was well written and translated into several languages. The man at the front desk spoke several languages and gave me detailed explanations. It was a peaceful time.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 29, 2024
- theclarkenGaithersburg, Maryland105 contributionsWell worth the visitIt is a lovely church. I understand the pipe organ was played by Mozart and Handel. Not at the same time, but still very cool! The exterior is the center of Haarlem with shops, restaurants, and a plaza. Inside is very nice. The floor is almost all grave markers. Sadly the etchings have mostly been worn away with time. The choir section is inaccessible to the general public, but I loved the panels on the exterior and the carvings on the seats. I didn't spend a lot of time in the church, but it was quality time and well worth it.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten August 12, 2024
- Harold1971Dubai, United Arab Emirates758 contributionsBeautiful old church with amazing ancient organ and accoustic.Visited this beautiful old church which is situated in the heart of the old Centre of Haarlem. There are leaflets available in different languages explaining the history of the church. One of the most remarkable facts is that Mozart at the age of 11 spent time with his father in Haarlem and even played the organ in the St Bavo Church. The organ is still being used and the acoustic of the old church is phenomenal. A beautiful spot to visit and spend a quiet moment inside the church.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 2, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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playmisty4me813
Bowie, MD33 contributions
Jul 2022
I found this place through Rick Steve's guide to the Netherlands, and it helped us enjoy every interesting architectural and artistic flourish. Make sure you find the "pillar biters" and the column marking the shortest and tallest men in Haarlem. The dog whipper's chapel was cool and the plaque denoting that Mozart played the organ in this church at age 10. We sat and listened to the organ music for a few minutes and you can feel the vibrations through your feet. There are organ concerts twice per week but we didn't stay as it was an extra cost and we had already heard the organ playing. We were slightly disappointed that you can't see the working parts of the organ (where one would play the instrument). We grabbed some kibbeling from a stand outside in the market square, just mind the seagulls. We walked all around the exterior of the church. Make sure and check out the stalls around the outside of the church, too. Many are cheap souvenirs but we found a gem of an art gallery, too. This is an easy walk to the train station.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M G
Arlington, VA101 contributions
Apr 2023
While visiting Amsterdam, we took a day trip to Haarlem and visited a few locations. The Grote Kerk is located right on the Grote Markt, in central Haarlem. The immediate area is filled with numerous historic buildings (such as the Vleeshal).
Entry was a small fee, and the large interior of the church is typical for many Dutch churches of this period. Highlights in my mind included the model ships donated by shipping guilds, and a cannonball lodged in the wall from the Eighty Years’ War. Also, for lovers of collectible tokens, the church includes a vending machine for a St. Bavo coin in the Mémodaille Europe Collection.
Amenities included a restroom and a gift shop. Highly recommended for history and architecture lovers. A great place to relax.
Entry was a small fee, and the large interior of the church is typical for many Dutch churches of this period. Highlights in my mind included the model ships donated by shipping guilds, and a cannonball lodged in the wall from the Eighty Years’ War. Also, for lovers of collectible tokens, the church includes a vending machine for a St. Bavo coin in the Mémodaille Europe Collection.
Amenities included a restroom and a gift shop. Highly recommended for history and architecture lovers. A great place to relax.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrisbu91
Munich, Germany1,903 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
St. Bavo's Church is a beautiful Gothic church built between 1370 and 1520. The beautiful wooden ceiling and the Müller organ are particularly impressive. We were lucky enough to be able to listen to an organ concert - a beautiful, very atmospheric experience!

Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
しげ左衛門
Kasugai, Japan30 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
In a nutshell, why is this so little-known when it's so wonderful anyway? . I've been to Notre Dame in the past, but my personal impression is that it's as good as, or better than, that. It's a little difficult to describe the interior in words, but there's a big pipe organ and I felt a long history of cobblestones and walls everywhere. When I went there was no one but me and it was a very hidden place of interest. I highly recommend it.
Automatically translated
Written February 1, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KansasScout
Lawrence, KS302 contributions
Jun 2022
Grote Kerk, the Old Church, in Haarlem is a must see. The fantastic organ stands 100 feet tall, has over 5,000 pipes, and has a glorious sound if you are lucky enough to be there when it is being played. We caught a practice session but there are also concerts. Much of its original splendor was taken out during the Protestant conversion but much still remains. The carvings along the base of the rood screen are worth the price of admission alone. The choir was closed but still much to be seen through the screen. Follow the guide they give you to find all the goodies. Rick Steves also has good suggestions on visiting. Nice little gift shop too with reasonably priced souvenirs for the church and Haarlem.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jae W. Lee
Long Island, NY5,867 contributions
Aug 2019
About 20 minute train ride away from Amsterdam is Haalem with Sint-Bavokerk (Church of St. Bavo), a majestic medieval church. The church has elegant nave, beautiful stained glass windows and magnificent organ built by Muller, an infamous German organ builder. Handel visited the church to play the organ in 1740 & 1750. Later, Mozart also came to play the orgran at age 10.
During our stay in Amsterdam last August, we took a train to Haarlem to visit the church. We entered the church through its rear door where the church’s ticket office was located. The entrance to the nave itself was planked by 2 walls revealing the original brick works before renovation. Upon entrering the nave, we were awestruck by the magnificent and beautiful Muller organ, filling the front wall of the nave. The organ with more than 5000 metal pipes, divided over 64 registers, was so elegant. The organ was adorned with over 25 statues, and crowned on its top with two lions holding Haarlem’s coat of arms. Nave itself was also elegant and pleasant to walk around or sit down to admire the organ. This church with its infamous organ is a must see attraction. Since we visited this church during the daytime, we regrettably missed free evening organ concerts. Sint-Bavokerk is located at 22 Grote Markt. The entrance fee for adults was € 2.50, and the opening hours were from 10.00 ~ 17.00: Monday~Saturday. [Note: Don’t confuse this church with another church; “Kathedrale Basiliek St. Bavo” (Cathedral of St Bavo)]
During our stay in Amsterdam last August, we took a train to Haarlem to visit the church. We entered the church through its rear door where the church’s ticket office was located. The entrance to the nave itself was planked by 2 walls revealing the original brick works before renovation. Upon entrering the nave, we were awestruck by the magnificent and beautiful Muller organ, filling the front wall of the nave. The organ with more than 5000 metal pipes, divided over 64 registers, was so elegant. The organ was adorned with over 25 statues, and crowned on its top with two lions holding Haarlem’s coat of arms. Nave itself was also elegant and pleasant to walk around or sit down to admire the organ. This church with its infamous organ is a must see attraction. Since we visited this church during the daytime, we regrettably missed free evening organ concerts. Sint-Bavokerk is located at 22 Grote Markt. The entrance fee for adults was € 2.50, and the opening hours were from 10.00 ~ 17.00: Monday~Saturday. [Note: Don’t confuse this church with another church; “Kathedrale Basiliek St. Bavo” (Cathedral of St Bavo)]
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
Albia, United States30 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
We visited St Bavo’s for the Easter Vigil service and the whole experience was just amazing. The church was candlelit and the atmosphere was just so peaceful and holy feeling. The service was in Dutch but that hardly mattered as it was so beautiful and the choir with the amazing acoustics made the whole experience just magical. We also visited the church in the daytime later in the week for the official tour as well so we got to experience it in a different way but it couldn’t top the candlelight service experience we had. One downside was that the organ was under construction so we didn’t get to view the massive organ. Also, weirdly, there was a carnival set up outside for kings day celebration for a week so getting pics of the outside is the church was difficult as it had carnival rides in the way! But visiting here for the Easter service was one of the highlights of our trip.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily A
Madrid, Spain270 contributions
Dec 2020
This amazingly detailed work of art dazzled me for more than an hour, though I admit Im a sucker for churches. The tiles, beautiful paintings, pipe organ, delicate windows, intricate everything, not to mention kind staff in the shop were just perfect. A great spot to start your adventure in the quaint town.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, it's E!
Amsterdam, The Netherlands70 contributions
Sep 2020
We got to enter the church on a free museum day, and it was quite interesting. The church itself dates back possibly thousands of years ago so you'll see some nicks and scratches in some places. There is a grand organ inside the church that's been said to be played by Mozart when he was 10 years old and it still sounds great. If you happen to visit on a day where they have music and such, it could make for an enjoyable break from the bustling town of Haarlem.
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichelM_Delft
Delft, The Netherlands24,355 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
During our visit to the Haarlem Christmas market, we also visited the Sint Bavo Church. This is located right in the center. The Catholic St. Bavo Cathedral is located on the edge of the center. This church is medieval. Beautiful interior, beautiful organ. The church also contains a medieval statue of Mary.

Written December 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
скажите пожалуйста, а во сколько проходит концерт?
Written March 3, 2018
pennyharries
Salisbury, United Kingdom
I went last week and it was beautiful. In Mary's Chapel there is a Bible reading to the left of the amazing dove screen. Please could you let me know what it says and the Bible reference?
Written February 8, 2018
Your best bet is to contact the Church directly or the local tourist office.
Written February 9, 2018
We plan to visit on July 2 and there is a concert on that day. Does the admission fee to the church include the concert? If not how do we get tickets and can they be purchased on line in advance?
Written May 21, 2016
Entering the church is €2.50 a person, which you can pay at the desk at the entrance. You won't have to pay extra to see the concert.
Written May 22, 2016
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