Grote Kerk
Rond de Grote Kerk 12, The Hague, NLD
With a history dating back to the 13th century, the Great Church of St. James is one of the oldest buildings in The Hague. Dutch Royals such as King Willem-Alexander and Princess Catharina-Amalia were baptized here, but the Gothic-style church is best known for its imposing bell tower, one of the highest in the Netherlands.
Many walking and sightseeing tours of The Hague include a photo stop outside the Great Church of St. James, often in combination with nearby attractions such as the Old Town Hall or the Binnenhof. After admiring the red-brick façade of the Great Church, head inside to explore the vaulted interiors with their impressive stained glass windows and 19th-century organ. The highlight is a visit to the tower—climb the 288 steps to the top for a panoramic view over the city below. No longer used for church services, the Great Church often serves as a venue for classical music and organ concerts.
- The Great Church is a popular site for those interested in The Hague’s history and architecture.
- Visits to the tower are by guided tour only; children under 12 are free.
- Although the church itself is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, the entrance to the tower is by stairs only.
The Great Church is located along Torenstraat in downtown The Hague. It’s easily reached on foot from central attractions such as the Binnenhof, about a 5-minute walk away. The closest tram stops are at the Grote Markt (Tram #14) or Den Haag (Tram #16).
The Great Church is only open to the public from May to September, and opening hours can be erratic, so it’s best to confirm in advance to avoid disappointment. Tours are typically held on weekends only and sometimes don’t go ahead as planned—book in advance if you have your heart set on visiting the tower.
Some of the historic monuments that you won’t want to miss in The Hague include the medieval Binnenhof, famously the world’s oldest house of parliament that is still in use. Nearby, the 17th-century Mauritshuis houses the city’s most prestigious art museum—where you can see Vermeer’s The Girl with a Pearl Earring—and the 20th-century neo-Renaissance Peace Palace is home to the International Court of Justice. Just outside the city, the beach resort of Scheveningen harbors another architectural gem, the lavish 19th-century Kurhaus which stands proud along the seafront and is now a luxury hotel.
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