Hoorn
Hoorn lies on the shore of the Markermeer, some 35 km north of Amsterdam. The city was established in 1357 and rose to prominence during the Dutch golden age. As a result there are many old buildings in its small center. It also boasts a nice harbor.
Many of Hoorn's buildings were constructed during the 17th and 18th centuriess. Some of the most notable ones include:
- The former harbor tower named Hoofdtoren, built in 1464.
- Mariatoren, or Kruittoren from 1508, which is one of the remnants of the medieval city walls.
- The only remaining city gate is Oosterpoort. It was built in 1578.
- The Waag is an old weight house.
- Statenlogement, the old city hall from 1613.
- Burgerweeshuis was an orphanage, built in 1620.
- The Koepelkerk is a Roman catholic basilica from 1882.
- Claes Stapelhof (1682) is a nice little courtyard.
Apart from these old buildings, the city boasts a lot of modern architecture as well. There are some nice museums in Hoorn, notably the Westfries Museum, housed in the 1632 Statencollege and the Museum of the 20th Century. A steam train museum line connects Hoorn with the town of Medemblik, 15 km to the north.
You'll find a wide variety of accommodation in Hoorn and plenty of café's and restaurants.
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