Spaarne, Haarlem

The Gravestenenbrug is a very old bridge more than 6 centuries old. Its name comes from a castle "Gravesteen" which belonged to a count (graaf) of Holland in the 13d. c.
It is a typical "ophaalbrug" on the river Spaarne.
What is special with the name of that river is that it is the only river name in the Netherlands which is neutral "het Spaarne". All other Dutch rivers start with the article "de" for example de Waal, de Maas, de Amstel, de Lek.
"Het Spaarne" was a very important river for the economy of Haarlem: textile and beer.

A smock mill, a wooden towered mill named for its resemblance to the linen smocks worn by eighteenth century workmen.

De Adriaan was built in 1778 on the foundations of an ancient defensive tower near the centre of town.

In 1932 De Adriaan burnt to the ground.

Seventy years after the fire De Adriaan has now been rebuilt ( since the year 2000).

Because of its location on the Spaarne river and its great height De Adriaan is one of the most beautifull buildings of Haarlem.

It's possible to see the windmill at the inside. It has four stores and the beautifull view from the top store is very nice. You also see the technique of the windmill.

Entrance:
Adults : 2 euro
Children and 65+: 1 euro

Open: Friday / Saturday / Sunday 10:00-16:00 hours
Closed: 25 And 26 December and 1 January

The mill will be functional on Saturdays if there is sufficient wind

This lift bridge is made of steel and it crosses the river Spaarne in the centre of Haarlem. It is named after the former small village Gravesteen and it si more than 700 years old. The bridge is for pedestrian and bicycles. Just across the road near the bridge there is Teylers Museum, the oldest museum of Netherlands.

A visit to Haarlem is not complete without a guided tour of De Adriaan windmill. It is a smock mill, a wooden towered mill named for its resemblance to the linen smocks worn by eighteenth century workmen.
The Adriaan was a famous landmark of the skyline of Haarlem untill it burnt completely down to the ground in 1932. From then the windmill was no-more, untill in 1999 they began restoring it. In 2002 restaurations were finished and right now you can visit it again and climb to the fourth floor of the windmill and enjoy a magnificient view!!
The windmill is only opened from Friday to Sunday from 10:00-16:00 so plan carefully.

Spaarne river
Very nice to have a walk along and see how some of the bridges are spin around in order to let the ship through (on the pic). On the bank you can as well find a well know museum - Teylers Museum- with very rich historical collections.

Some VT members on the magere brug