Cities
Netherlands Haarlem North Holland Historical Landmark

Hofje van Oorschot

About

Hofje van Oorschot is a charming 18th‑century courtyard tucked along the Kruisstraat, offering one of Haarlem’s most elegant and intimate historic settings. Founded in 1768 from the bequest of Wouterus van Oorschot, the hofje was built in 1770 and distinguished from the start by its impressive wrought‑iron gate, commissioned at the request of neighbour David van Lennep, who wanted a refined view from his home. Behind the gate lies a peaceful garden framed by neat façades and traditional architecture, creating a serene retreat just steps from the city centre. Though modest in scale, the hofje reflects Haarlem’s long tradition of charitable housing and its commitment to preserving quiet communal spaces. Today, Hofje van Oorschot remains a beautifully maintained example of Dutch courtyard culture, inviting visitors to pause, admire its symmetry and enjoy a moment of calm in the heart of the city.

Haarlem Netherlands
Hofje van Oorschot
Location

Hofje van Oorschot Haarlem is located at Kruisstraat 44 in the heart of the historic city centre, along a bustling shopping street just steps from the Grote Markt. This charming 18th-century almshouse courtyard, founded in 1768 by merchant Wouterus van Oorschot for elderly Reformed women, features a serene garden visible through ornate wrought-iron gates, with two residential wings and a central bronze statue of Eve. Nearby stand the towering St Bavo's Grote Kerk, Town Hall, Vleeshal with Archeologisch Museum, De Vishal gallery, lively cafés and market stalls on the square, plus pedestrian lanes leading to Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum, Corrie ten Boom House, and Haarlem Centraal station about 10 minutes' walk away.

Frans Hals Museum Frans Hals Museum Museum Teylers Museum Teylers Museum Museum Corrie ten Boom House Corrie ten Boom House Museum Museum van de Geest – Dolhuys Museum van de Geest – Dolhuys Museum Archeologisch Museum Haarlem Archeologisch Museum Haarlem Museum Verwey Museum Haarlem Verwey Museum Haarlem Museum ABC Architectuurcentrum Haarlem ABC Architectuurcentrum Haarlem Museum De Vishal De Vishal Gallery Kunst Centrum Haarlem Kunst Centrum Haarlem Gallery Stadsschouwburg Haarlem Stadsschouwburg Haarlem Theatre Schuur Schuur Theatre Grote of Sint‑Bavokerk Grote of Sint‑Bavokerk Church Cathedral of St. Bavo Cathedral of St. Bavo Cathedral Nieuwe Kerk Haarlem Nieuwe Kerk Haarlem Church Waalse Kerk Haarlem Waalse Kerk Haarlem Church Doopsgezinde Kerk Doopsgezinde Kerk Church Amsterdamse Poort Amsterdamse Poort Historical Landmark Huis te Zaanen Huis te Zaanen Castle Proveniershuis Proveniershuis Historical Landmark De Adriaan Windmill De Adriaan Windmill Windmill Town Hall Haarlem Town Hall Haarlem Town Hall Kenau and Ripperda Monument Kenau and Ripperda Monument Monument Haarlemmerhout Haarlemmerhout Park Kenaupark Kenaupark Park Burgemeester Reinaldapark Burgemeester Reinaldapark Park Schoterbos Schoterbos Park