The Netherlands has an endless amount of impressively well-preserved landmarks which the public can visit. Grote Kerk, also known as Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk, is one of the oldest intact buildings in The Hague, and visitors regularly have the chance to wander inside and enjoy this magnificent landmark in all its glory.
Whether you’re living in The Hague or just stopping by, we recommend checking out the Grote Kerk! If you’re one of The Hague’s international inhabitants, there's virtually no reason not to, because the IamExpat Fair will take place there on October 1!
Events are where history is made. When you attend an event at Grote Kerk, it will be sure to stand out in your memory as you step inside a piece of history! The Grote Kerk is often used for events such as exhibitions, fairs and concerts, and, of course, church services are still held there. Not only that, but weddings and baptisms of the Dutch Royal Family continue to take place in the Grote Kerk.
With the remarkable size and beauty of this building and its reputation as an atmospheric venue for events for more than 40 years, it's no wonder that the venue of choice for the IamExpat Fair is the spacious Grote Kerk.
Visitors can easily reach the Grote Kerk on foot, by car or by public transportation, thanks to the fact that the Grote Kerk is located conveniently in the heart of The Hague. It is the most significant landmark in the neighbourhood - in fact, the street that it’s on, Torenstraat, is named after the church’s tall tower.
The Grote Kerk is immense in size, with impressive high-vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained-glass windows. There's a carved wooden pulpit dating from 1550 and imposing rows of columns line the church, some of them in gleaming marble and others in pristine white. Above the entrance is a majestic organ which, when played, is as much a treat for the ears as for the eyes.
Along with the famous Binnenhof, Grote Kerk is one of the oldest buildings in The Hague. In the 13th century, a wooden church is thought to have existed on the site of the current church, followed by the present-day version, which was erected in different stages between the 14th and 16th centuries.
The tower is an attraction in itself, standing 93 metres high with an amazing view across The Hague - you can even see as far as the Dutch coastline. The six-sided tower contains an impressive array of bells, which you're likely to hear on a typical day.
A tour of the tower is well worth it on a day out in The Hague, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Those brave enough to climb the 288 steps will get to enjoy one of the long-standing vantage points in the city, still standing high after more than six centuries, surviving wars, fires, renovations and lightning strikes!
There are so many attractions in the Hague. So, what better place for the leading expat fair than the Grote Kerk, bringing expats together in this massive, magnificent landmark? So, book your free ticket and get ready to attend the IamExpat Fair on October 1.