Bavokerk

Bavokerk, also known as Sint-Bavokerk, is a medieval church on the Grote Markt in Haarlem, Netherlands. It is dedicated to Saint Bavo and is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Built in the Brabantine Gothic tradition, construction took place from the 13th through the 15th centuries, resulting in a large, cruciform church with a commanding tower that dominates the skyline of the historic center.

Historically, the church served as a Roman Catholic parish church and became a Protestant church during the Dutch Reformation in the 16th century. Over the centuries it has undergone various restorations and adaptations, preserving a range of architectural and artistic features from the late medieval period and later. The interior includes medieval tombs, stained glass, altars, and other ecclesiastical furnishings that reflect its long history as a sacred space.

A defining feature of Bavokerk is its historic pipe organ, which is renowned as one of the Netherlands’ most notable instruments. The organ and its surrounding space continue to attract concerts and music lovers, contributing to the church’s cultural significance as well as its religious function.

Today, Bavokerk remains an active place of worship and a major destination for visitors. It serves both as a functioning parish church and as a public heritage site, hosting religious services, concerts, exhibitions, and educational programs that highlight Haarlem’s architectural and musical heritage.