Vleeshal
4.5
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4.5
26 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
12
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,167 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
There is a lot to see in the beautiful, cobbled Grote Markt square in central Haarlem.
Apart from the imposing Great Church which dominates the square, there are several other 13th and 14th century buildings, including the Vleeshal which dates from 1603.
With its steep gabled roof, ornate dormers and striking red and yellow patterned brickwork, it is one of the most distinctive buildings on the square.
It looks like a stately home so we were very surprised us to learn that this grand building was in fact a meat hall. It’s hard to imagine that such an extravagant building housed around 40 butchers and their giant carcasses of meat.
If you look about halfway up to the building you will see finely carved heads of oxen and sheep.
The sale of meat was strictly regulated and this was the only place in Haarlem where fresh meat was allowed to be sold.
Today, the Vleeshal houses both the Frans Hal Museum the Haarlem Archaeological Museum. The Archaeological Museum is free but if you don’t know it’s there, it’s easy to miss the small door on the left (we did so unfortunately we missed out).
Apart from the imposing Great Church which dominates the square, there are several other 13th and 14th century buildings, including the Vleeshal which dates from 1603.
With its steep gabled roof, ornate dormers and striking red and yellow patterned brickwork, it is one of the most distinctive buildings on the square.
It looks like a stately home so we were very surprised us to learn that this grand building was in fact a meat hall. It’s hard to imagine that such an extravagant building housed around 40 butchers and their giant carcasses of meat.
If you look about halfway up to the building you will see finely carved heads of oxen and sheep.
The sale of meat was strictly regulated and this was the only place in Haarlem where fresh meat was allowed to be sold.
Today, the Vleeshal houses both the Frans Hal Museum the Haarlem Archaeological Museum. The Archaeological Museum is free but if you don’t know it’s there, it’s easy to miss the small door on the left (we did so unfortunately we missed out).
Written 16 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CuriousTraveler007
Mississauga, Canada727 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
Stunning building in a Dutch Renaissance style. The ox heads on the front of the building indicate its function as it was used for selling fresh meat.
Written 12 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phat_dawg_21
Alpharetta, GA16,947 contributions
Jul 2022
The museum was closed the morning we were there, but it is still an impressive building. Lots of intricate stone carvings.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
noholdluggage
Ballymena, UK582 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Amazing building with great detail in the facades and roof. We didn't go in as we didn't have time but the old meat hall is definitely worth a look
Written 18 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,565 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Used to house the meat market, now an art museum, very interesting old Dutch architecture on the Grote Market square in the center of town.
Written 4 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ciaran B
Cheltenham, UK2,042 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
This beautiful building was formerly the meat hall and it is architecturally tops which now houses a fine museum.
Written 30 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dushi-NY
NY, NY6,423 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
We almost did not notice the Vleeshall because the amusement park on the plaza seemed to overwhelm all the surrounding structures.
Written 16 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CurlyTraveller
L'Alfas del Pi, Spain205 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
The former Meat Hall is an architectural gem in itself. It now houses a very nice museum. The whole market on which the Vleeshal is located is super charming and interesting.
Written 26 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bas k
Amstelveen, The Netherlands32,808 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
The former meat market can be visited inside as it is part of museum "De Hallen Haarlem"A plaque offers info about the architecture.
Written 15 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mick B
Amsterdam, The Netherlands543 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
At home I have an engraving of Romeyn de Hooghe of the meat hall was in the 17th century. The building is still the same, except meat is no longer sold here.
Written 20 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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