{"id":31433,"date":"2023-07-08T22:53:47","date_gmt":"2023-07-09T02:53:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=31433"},"modified":"2023-07-08T22:53:47","modified_gmt":"2023-07-09T02:53:47","slug":"around-the-hoorn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=31433","title":{"rendered":"Around the Hoorn"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u00a92023 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So often have I visited Amsterdam over the years, that sometimes I need a bit of variety. Looking for a nice little day trip to get me away from the city I stumbled upon an article about the town of Hoorn, a city in the northern part of The Netherlands.  The article had stated that Hoorn was one of the “Best Day Trips From Amsterdam”, so I thought, why not? Though it was early Fall, the sun was forecasted to be shining and it was going to be rather warm…the perfect day for some sightseeing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking the train from Amsterdam’s Central Station, I thought I was doing the right thing when I arrived at the station and nabbed an earlier departure.  I relaxed in my seat and readied for my hour-long trip. The train’s whistle sounded and the train began its departure from the city, while I began to watch my progress on Google maps. But wait! I was suddenly confused to see that the train heading northwesterly towards Alkmaar.  It dawned on me that I made a major mistake by taking the earlier departure…this train was a local, not the express, so there I was, sightseeing in the Netherlands countryside for an extra half hour…a mistake I was sure to not make on my return!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A bit beyond my anticipated arrival, we finally pulled into the Hoorn station and I made my way past canals, flowers and quaint homes, much like I have seen in other parts of the country. I had planned a route that would take me though the center of the city and its churches, to the waterfront and to two of the city’s ancient gates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Architecture of Hoorn<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Architecture of Hoorn<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Architecture of Hoorn<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Architecture of Hoorn<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Architecture of Hoorn<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Architecture of Hoorn<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Architecture of Hoorn<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Architecture of Hoorn<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Grote Kerk, of which origins date back to medieval times, was my first stop, but unfortunately, I found it to be under construction and not open to the public.\u00a0 This structure is the third to be built on the site and dates back to 1883.\u00a0 While I was not allowed inside, I was able to admire its tower with its unadorned needle spire and clock from afar. I then continued on to the main square, hoping to visit the Roman Catholic church of Saint Cyriacus and Francis, popularly called the\u00a0Dome Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Grote Kerk<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Grote Kerk<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Geez, were all of the churches undergoing construction???!!!\u00a0 Here, I found the fa\u00e7ade of the Dome Church blocked with scaffolding, however, undeterred, I found the entrance and took a peek inside.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Dome Church<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Dome Church, built in 1882, is still in use today and known for its amazing dome, stained glass and renowned artwork.  A small chapel greeted me as I entered, however, the interior was partitioned off by a glass wall.  While I would have loved to walk through towards the main altar so that I could appreciate the dome, the glass doors were locked.  Still, I was grateful that I could see some of its interior from afar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upon my departure, I headed toward the main part of town, passing through the Kaasmarkt (main square) and the statue of Jan Pietersz Coen. Though the city’s streets were on the quiet side, I was not surprised to see a few other tourists congregating around this statue and dining in the outdoor restaurants that lined the square. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Statue of Jan Pietersz Coen<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Kaasmarkt<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Making my way towards the waterfront and marina, I found a paved pathway, which was perfect for exercise and just enjoying the beauty of the lake, Markermeer.\u00a0 As I followed the coast towards the small lighthouse at the end of the path, I took in the various artwork that lined the walkway.\u00a0 Designed by various artists, they comprised both modern and rustic elements.\u00a0 My favorite?\u00a0 “The Empty Coat” by Marion Jebbink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“The Empty Coat” by Marion Jebbink<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Eventually, my walk ended at the lighthouse, a small, basic wood-beam structure.\u00a0 It was not very picturesque, but it had given my walk a purpose and I had some good views of the Heritage Sailing Center and the Museum of the 20th\u00a0Century.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Museum of the 20th\u00a0Century<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Heritage Sailing Center<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Heading back to where I had come, I then skirted the marina on the far side, making my way to the Hoofdtoren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Views from the waterfront<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Boats and houses along the Grashaven<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Hoofdtoren is a tower named after the nearby jetty Houten Hoofd and was constructed in 1532.\u00a0 While it acted as one of the last defenses of the city and located at the port, it now acts as a popular restaurant.\u00a0 Adjacent to the tower, on the quay wall, is a statue of the Ship Boys of Bontekoe from the book of the same name and it is a nice place to take in the beautiful old boats that fill the harbor.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Hoofdtoren<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Hoofdtoren<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
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Hoofdtoren<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Boats in the Vluchthaven<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Boats in the Vluchthaven<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Boats along the Binnenhaven<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A little further up the Oude Doelenkade, I crossed the Hoge Bruge, the iron drawbridge that crosses the Oude Haven and headed toward the Oosterkerk.\u00a0 Built in 1616, the church was originally a Roman Catholic temple used by fisherman and boat captains.\u00a0 After the Reformation, it became a Dutch Reformed Church and was known for its beautiful stained-glass windows but also for its organ, built in 1764 by Johann Heinrich Hartmann Batz…the only one that he built in North Holland.\u00a0 Today, decommissioned, the historic structure is a cultural center which hosts activities such as concerts, meetings, weddings and memorials.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hoge Bruge<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Hoge Bruge<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
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Oosterkerk<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
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Oosterkerk<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Oosterkerk<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, it wasn’t really my day for churches…I found this one locked up as well…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kleine Oostbrug<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Finally, crossing the Kleine Oostbrug, I made it to the edge of the city center and the Oosterpoort, the city’s only remaining gate, built in 1578.\u00a0 Located on the Draafsingel,\u00a0a remnant of the original defensive canal, the Oosterpoort bridge runs under the gate, giving pedestrians and cyclists a pathway across the waterway.\u00a0 While it serves a practical purpose, it definitely gives visitors a look into the city’s history and a place for stunning photos.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Oosterpoort<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Oosterpoort<\/em> bridge<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Oosterpoort<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Oosterpoort<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As the day was coming to a close, I wound my way back through the city, crossing the pedestrian bridge, Kippebruggetje, enroute to the train station.\u00a0 I had enjoyed my outing in the beautiful little city of Hoorn, but shadows were now creeping in, signaling the day’s end.\u00a0 I wanted to make sure that I caught my train back to Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kippebruggetje<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This time…the right train!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a92023 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved. So often have I visited Amsterdam over the years, that sometimes I need a bit of variety. Looking for a nice little day trip to get me away from the city I stumbled upon an article about the town of Hoorn, a city in the northern part … Continue reading Around the Hoorn<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31485,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1440,12,24],"tags":[70,76,856,822,71,1441,343,182,61,602,62],"class_list":["post-31433","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hoorn","category-netherlands","category-religious-institutions","tag-art","tag-church","tag-city-gate","tag-day-trip","tag-history","tag-hoorn","tag-lighthouse","tag-netherlands","tag-photography","tag-train","tag-travel"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snappingtheglobe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ABE6F2EB-F529-4AA1-9066-F5BF3F626FB0.jpeg?fit=1600%2C1200&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31433","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=31433"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31433\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31520,"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31433\/revisions\/31520"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/31485"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=31433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=31433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=31433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}