History
The history of the city. Discover
the rich history of Haarlem.
A rich history
Archaeological research shows that there was already habitation in the surroundings of the Spaarne 3600 years before our era. The city of Haarlem originated as a spiritual settlement on a beach ridge, over which a country road ran that connected the north of Holland with the south.
Discover Haarlem's rich history and its many monumental buildings. From medieval streets to wonderful museums such as the Frans Hals Museum and the Teylers Museum, this city offers a wealth of cultural heritage. Come and enjoy the beauty of this historic city!
Anno Haarlem visitor center
Haarlem in a nutshell
Haarlem grew to become one of the most important cities in Holland. During the Eighty Years' War Haarlem resisted heavily against Spanish rule. Once in the hands of William of Orange, many Flemings moved to the city, the influences of which are still visible today. In the Golden Age, Haarlem was a popular place for the rich and powerful to live and stay.
Welcome to Haarlem
ANNO HAARLEM
In the cellars of the City Hall - the heart of the city that has been there since the 14th century - you can discover everything about the history of Haarlem. Watch the animated film Vogelvlucht (Bird's Eye View) and see how the imposing Great or St. Bavo Church was built, be transported to Haarlem's glory days in the Golden Age and marvel at the development of the inhabitants of this monumental city over the centuries.
BIRTHDAY OF HAARLEM
2022 On Nov. 23, 1245, Haarlem received city rights from Count Willem II and was allowed to call itself a city. In 2022, Haarlem will celebrate 777 years of city rights.
To celebrate the 777e birthday of Haarlem together with all Haarlem residents, a program has been worked on by various institutions in the city. This page compiles those activities. The history of the city can also be read here.
Join us in celebrating Haarlem's birthday and who knows, maybe we'll run into each other somewhere. Congratulations to the birthday city!
Opening hours
Anno Haarlem
In the cellars of the City Hall - the heart of the city that has been there since the fourteenth century - you will discover everything about the history of the city at Anno Haarlem.
See how the imposing Great or St. Bavo Church was built, be transported to the glory days of Haarlem in the Golden Age and marvel at the development that residents of this monumental city have gone through over the centuries.
Visit Anno Haarlem and be inspired to discover the city.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sundays and holidays
Closed
Closed
Closed
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
closed
A rich history
Archaeological research shows that there was already habitation in the surroundings of the Spaarne 3600 years before our era. The city of Haarlem originated as a spiritual settlement on a beach ridge, over which a country road ran that connected the north of Holland with the south.
THE NAME HAARLEM
The former name of Haarlem was Haarloheim, a residence on a higher sandy plate in the forest. Haarlem did not "really" become a city until 1245 with the receipt of city rights from Count William II of Holland.
Archaeological research shows that already 1500 years before our era people lived in the vicinity of the Spaarne. From a settlement of ghosts on a beach, 'Haralem' grew into the seat of the Counts of Holland. Because of its favorable location on the Spaarne river the city developed rapidly.
The name Haarlem is possibly a corruption of the word 'Haarloheim', which means 'residence (heim) situated on high sandy ground (haar) in the forest (lo)'. However, it is uncertain whether this is the true origin of the name.
Peter Stuyvesant founded 'New Haarlem' on the east coast of the US in 1658. In 1664, the English took over the colony and named the place 'Harlem'. Today, Harlem is part of the city of New York to the north of Manhattan.
Residents of the city of Haarlem are sometimes jokingly called "mosquitoes. It is not exactly clear where this comes from, however "mosquito" was used as a swear word in the 14th and 15th centuries. It may have originated from the fact that there used to be many mosquitoes in Haarlem. Other explanations include the "mosquito sifting" of the people of Haarlem and a legend about a witch who would turn the inhabitants of the city into mosquitoes if they did not listen.
What else is there to do?
Walking with a city guide
Hiking brochures and routes
History in Anno Haarlem
