Binnenstad Hoorn , North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Hoofdtoren
⎯⎯⎯
Main Tower
| | Rijksmonument | |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 22, 2025
1. Hoofdtoren / Main Tower Marker
Deze laatgotische verdedigingstoren heeft witgeel natuursteen aan de zeezijde ten behoeve van zichtbaarheid. Na 1614 verloor de toren haar oorspronkelijke functie en kreeg andere functies. De klokkentoren dateert oorspronkelijk van 1651. De steiger Het Houten Hoofd dateert in opzet van 1464.
Main Tower (1532)
This late Gothic defence tower has white-yellow natural stone on the sea side for visibility. After 1614 the tower lost its original function and was given other functions. The bell tower originally dates from 1651. The jetty Het Houten Hoofd dates in design from 1464.
Erected by Gemeente Hoorn, ANWB. (Marker Number 16037/005.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1614.
Location. 52° 38.224′ N, 5° 3.783′ E. Marker is in Hoorn, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Binnenstad Hoorn. It is at the intersection of Hoofd and Italiaanse Zeedijk, on the
this page online
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Anna van Nieuwkoop (within shouting distance of this marker); Steilsteven / Steep Bow Rival (within shouting distance of this marker); Het Vertrouwen (within shouting distance of this marker); Monument "Bagage voor het Leven" / Baggage for Life Memorial (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Oostereiland / Eastern Island (about 120 meters away); Voormalige Postkantoor / Former Post Office (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Het Foreestenhuis / The Foreest Building (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Jan Ruiter and Grι Visser Memorial (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hoorn.
Also see . . . Hoofdtoren (Erfgoedhoorn.nl, in Dutch). The QR code on the marker leads to this page with additional information and three photos. Excerpt (in translation):
The Hoofdtoren was built in 1532 as a defence tower and was an important link in the defence against attacks from the Zuiderzee. There were more of these towers on the northern ramparts, but they were much smaller in size. The Mariatoren is the only preserved example of this.(Submitted on April 2, 2025.)
The Hoofdtoren stood on the southernmost point ofthe Zuiderzee and was also the entrance to the harbours. The walls on the sea side were 1.5 metres thick and the tower had loopholes for large fire and musket fire. Most loopholes have been bricked up, but are still recognisable as such. At the top of the tower you can see the battlement, this is where the defence took place. Originally there were battlements. Now the spaces in between, which are also called murder holes, have been closed off with wooden shutters. The battlement was not covered, this too was only adapted later.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 22, 20252. Hoofdtoren / Main Tower and marker - as seen from the westThe marker is visible here a bit left of the entrance.
The front facade, in contrast to the sober tower, is richly detailed. Red-brown masonry and bands of natural stone alternate. In technical jargon we call this bacon layers, after the spekkoek (bacon tart) of course! The arches in the brickwork are called arch friezes. When they consist of three arches, they are trefoil arches. This building used to have one type of a stepped gable, but now the building has a different type of stepped gable. Right at the top is the date indication, and above that the beautiful lantern. Behind the tower is a jetty and in the immediate vicinity is a lock. A wooden jetty has been here since 1464. This monument is also called the Houten Hoofd. The lock was built around 1777.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 22, 2025
3. Hoofdtoren / Main Tower - as seen from the south
As noted on the marker, the seaward-facing part of the tower was constructed in lighter stone to increase visibility.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 22, 2025
4. Renovation plaques
On the southeast side of the tower are two renovation plaques, with the local politicians claiming credit, dating from 1685 and 1755.
courtesy Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed (via Wikimedia Commons), circa 1900
5. Hoofdtoren / Main Tower - as seen from the north
Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 243 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 2, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
