Monument of the Dutch Golden Age
Hoorn is a historic port city located on the Markermeer, and a very important VOC-city in the Dutch Golden Age (1602 – 1702). Many traces of this past can be admired in the historic centre of Hoorn. The city has 368 national monuments and has just over 72,000 inhabitants. At about 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Hoorn is well worth a visit and a day to wander through the charming streets and alleys. The picturesque harbour area is a must see.
Origin of the name Hoorn
According to ancient Frisian legends, the name Hoorn is derived from the stepson of King Radboud, with the name Hornus. Other stories that the name Hoorn comes from a sign with a post horn, which hung from one of the establishments on the Roode Steen at the beginning of the 14th century. A third variant states that the name Hoorn is derived from the horn shape of the first harbours. If you really want to know where the name comes from, book a tour and I’ll tell you!
Capital above the IJ
During the 16th and 17th centuries (Dutch Golden Age) the city experienced its greatest prosperity, and Hoorn was one of the cities represented in the United East-Indian Company (VOC). The West India Company (WIC), the Northern Company, the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier, the West Frisian Mint and the College of Committed Councils of West-Friesland and the Noorderkwartier were also located in Hoorn. Hoorn was therefore the formal capital of the area above the IJ.
Most important monuments in Hoorn
Hoorn has approx. 383 national and approx. 250 municipal monuments and a number of war memorials. The most important monuments of Hoorn are:
- Statenlogement (1613) / Ceciliakapel (1453)
- Boterhal of St Jansgasthuis (1563)
- Kamer Hoorn Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, VOC Pakhuis (1606/1610)
- Statencollege (Westfries Museum) (gevel 1631)
- Waag (1609)
- Pakhuizen (o.a. kaas) Bierkade en Appelhaven
- Hoofdtoren (1532)
- Kamer Hoorn West-Indische Compagnie (1629, gevel 1784)
- Bossuhuizen
- Maria toren / Kruittoren
- Kloosterpoort/Oude Vrouwenhof (1606)
- Foreestenhuis (1724)
- Sint Pietershof (1692)
- Weeshuis, -tuin en Mariakapel (1508)
- Claes Stapel’s Hof (1682)
- De Doelen (begin 17e eeuw)
- Oosterpoort (1578)
- Admiraliteitsgebouwen Oostereiland (de Krententuin)
- Standbeeld van J.Pz.Coen (1893)
Guided City Tour Hoorn
If you really want to get to know Hoorn, book a tour! Ideal for families, couples or larger groups. I take you along the historical sights, the hidden pearls and let you get acquainted with the stories of the city. Guided tours are always tailor-made and usually last 1.5 to 2 hours. Click here for more info.
