Haarlem

Haarlem is a city and municipality in the Netherlands, and the capital of the province of North Holland. It lies on the confluence of the Spaarne river and is located to the west of Amsterdam, within the Randstad. The city has a population of about 160,000 residents and serves as a regional center for culture, education, and commerce.

Haarlem's history reaches back to at least the 13th century, and it received city rights in 1245. During the Eighty Years' War it endured a prolonged siege by Spanish forces in 1572–1573, which contributed to its historical prominence in the Dutch struggle for independence. The historic core is characterized by a central market square and well-preserved gabled façades, as well as a number of hofjes and medieval churches.

The city is renowned for its museums and historic landmarks. The Grote Kerk (St. Bavokerk) dominates the Grote Markt and is noted for its tall tower and notable organ. The Frans Hals Museum houses works by Frans Hals and other Dutch Golden Age painters. The Teylers Museum, founded in 1778 by Pieter Teyler van der Hulst, is the oldest museum in the Netherlands and combines art, science, and natural history collections. Other notable sites include the windmill De Adriaan on the Spaarne and the historic Begijnhof.

Haarlem functions as a regional educational and economic hub, with institutions such as Inholland University of Applied Sciences maintaining campuses in the city. It is well connected by rail through Haarlem Central Station and by road via the A9 corridor, linking it to Amsterdam, The Hague, and the surrounding region. Tourism, culture, and services are important components of the local economy.