Haarlem day trip...St Bavo's church

Thanks, Nicole!

Wow! I'm so glad you had that experience. We attended an advent service with caroling in that beautiful church but did not get the special tour. Maybe we'll have to slip in there again this fall.

It was so lovely. He spent 10 min telling us about the tomb...(it was for the two men who came up with the 'sluice gates'...oh...the pamphlet is too far away and I just woke up...lol). Then talked to us about the choir area (no, we didn't even notice the dog carving with the dog turned around or the 'pillar biter'). Explained a couple of the stained glass windows. The symbolism of the snake, lizard, dove, turtle, sunflowers and eagle at the baptismal font. Told us about the amazing pipe organ. Told us why there was a clock on the ceiling.

I'm not sure when the custodians are there. Looked to be two of them, as we saw another group with a red shirted lady go into the roped off choir area.

I can just imagine hearing the pipe organ. I think he said it is played on Tuesdays from May until...? And something about free concerts in July and August, but can't recall which day...I do rem hearing tues evenings and thurs afternoon. Def something to look into if you are there at that time and want to experience it. (I'll ask hubby if he remembers when he wakes up).

We had the same experience at the Garrison Church in Portsmouth, where we spent over an hour. (And prob would have only spent 5 min). So I think from now on when we go into a church, unless we are in a hurry, I'm going to look for a custodian and try to latch on :)

It is an absolutely splendid organ. If anybody has the chance to hear it, it is well worth the time.

Hi! I live in Haarlem. The organ concerts at St. Bavo's church are Tuesday evening (and some Thursday afternoons) from May to October. You can find more info and the exact dates and times here http://www.bavo.nl/muziek/orgelconcerten/ (in Dutch)

@Nicole P-

I went to st bavo today but didn't see any custodians. But I did see the clock on the ceiling. Why is it there?

Thanks
DANØ

oh my - I can't remember why the clock is on the ceiling! I thought hubby would remember but he couldn't...can't even find why on wiki - I'll have a look for the brochure and see if it explains...my memory is NOT what it used to be...

For those who might be unfamiliar, there are two "St Bavo's" in Haarlem.

The one that is in the central market square is, I think, more commonly referred to as the Grote Kerk. It dates from the 15th century and the organ is one of the finest in Europe.

The Cathedral of Saint Bavo is on the edge of the old town. It is the main cathedral for the Roman Catholic diocese, and it dates from the early 20th century. It looks very impressive on the outside. But I felt that walking all that way to see it was a complete waste of time.

Note that there's also a St Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. It is famous as the home of the Ghent altarpiece.

When you're in Haarlem, make sure you go to the right St. Bavo's!

We went to St. Bavo today! The organist was there tuning I think - but what we did hear was fantastic.