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Netherlands

 
Frommer's Guide
INTRODUCTION
The Best Cafes & Bars
The Best Castles
The Best Cathedrals
The Best Museums
The Best Offbeat Travel Experiences
The Best Outdoor Pursuits
The Best Restaurants
The Best Shopping
The Best Travel Experiences
The Most Romantic Getaways

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Introduction: The Best Cathedrals Frommer

Westerkerk: The Westerkerk's 85m (277-ft.) tower, the Westertoren, is the tallest in Amsterdam, providing a spectacular view of the city. Anne Frank could hear every note of the carillon's dulcet tones while in hiding from the Nazis in her nearby house.

Sint-Bavokerk: Walking to the town center from Haarlem station, you catch only glimpses of the church, but the moment you reach the market square it is revealed in all its splendor. This church, which was completed after a relatively short building period, has a rare unity of structure and proportion. Regular concerts are given here on the famous organ built by Christian Muller in 1738. The young Mozart once played on this instrument.

Sint-Janskerk: At 122m (400 ft.), this is the longest church in Holland. It also has some of the most magnificent stained-glass windows in Europe.

Domkerk: This magnificent cathedral was begun in the 13th century. Its 111m (365-ft.) tower, which dominates old Utrecht's skyline, offers a great view of the city.

St. Servaasbasiliek: One of the oldest churches in Holland, this basilica was built over the grave of St. Servatius, the first bishop of Holland. Parts of it date back to the 10th century, and it was enlarged in the 14th and 15th centuries, when the south portal and the entrance to the cloister at Keizer Karelplein were added. These are adorned with beautiful statues and intricate stone carvings. The church interior is largely Romanesque, and recent restorations have given it a cool and restrained atmosphere, emphasizing the simple arches and vaults. Over the centuries people have honored St. Servatius with gifts, so the Treasury holds a collection of incredible richness and beauty. Most impressive are the reliquaries of Saint Thomas and of Saint Servatius, made by Maastricht goldsmiths in the 12th century.



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