The Hague - Grote Kerk or St Jacobskerk 
To the west of The Hague 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.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
Grote Kerk or St Jacobskerk
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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.
Things to See
Grote Kerk Interior 
In the beautifully vaulted interior of Grote Kerk or St Jacobskerk, with its high, light choir, are a number of interesting monuments and grave-slabs, including those of the poet and statesman Constantijn Huygens (d. 1687) and his son, the physicist and astronomer Christiaan Huygens (d. 1695) on the rear wall of the choir. Other notable features are the carved wooden pulpit (1550), the coats of arms of Knights of the Golden Fleece, the large organ (1881) and the stained glass in the choir and north transept. Most royal weddings and baptisms were held in the Grote Kerk. After complete renovation the church was reopened in 1987, and it is now, like so many other churches in the Netherlands, used for secular purposes - exhibitions, trade fairs and other functions.
