The Hague - Grote Kerk or St Jacobskerk

To the west of the Town Hall, in Kerkplein, is the Grote Kerk or St Jacobskerk. The oldest part of this Gothic hall-church (14th C.) was badly damaged by fire in 1539. The 100m/330ft high tower, originally built in 1420, is unique in the Netherlands in its hexagonal form. Originally used for military purposes as a lookout tower, it was rebuilt in Renaissance style after a fire. A neo-Gothic spire was added in 1861, but this, popularly known to the people of The Hague as the "nightcap", was removed during restoration work in 1951. The carillon disappeared in 1941 during the German occupation. Since the largest bell, known as "Jhezus", was too big to fit into the tower it was kept in the church, where it can still be seen. In 1959 a new carillon - one of the largest in the Netherlands, with 51 bells - was installed. There are magnificent views from the top of the tower.