Great Church

The Great Church, also known as St. Bavokerk or St. Bavo's Cathedral, is a significant landmark in Haarlem, Netherlands. Construction of this church began in 1397 and concluded in 1496. It features a prominent tower that stands 262 feet (80 meters) high. Inside, visitors can find notable choir screens, stalls, the tomb of the artist Frans Hals, and a renowned pipe organ built in 1738.1

Haarlem itself is a municipality in the western Netherlands, situated along the Spaarne River and near the North Sea. Historically, it was a fortified town and the residence of the counts of Holland. The city has experienced periods of conflict and prosperity, notably in the 17th century when it became a refuge for Huguenots and an artistic center, with painters like Frans Hals associated with the Haarlem school.1