And tomorrow it's finally here. THE 2 days I look forward to every other day of the year (well. these 2 days + christmas). Up until now I only featured buildings in big cities, but today I will feature some buildings that are scattered across our beautiful little rainy* country.
*Yes, it was raining today, and I'm hoping it won't rain this weekend, but it doesn't look good...
*Yes, it was raining today, and I'm hoping it won't rain this weekend, but it doesn't look good...
1. RADIO KOOTWIJK
This former transmitter station has to be one of the oddest buildings in the Netherlands. It is a huge cathedral like art deco building, that's meant to resemble an Egyptian sphinx. It's so majestic and the fact that is was built in the middle of nowhere makes it even more impressive and.. a bit weird. Imagine being in the forest, and then BAM, this baby pops up! It's a shame it really is in the middle of nowhere though - as it's not reachable by public transport and this weekend not even by car. Entry is free though, and the guided tours are also free!
Adres Radioweg 1, Radio Kootwijk (Apeldoorn)
Opening Hours: Saturday 14 September 10.00 - 17.00 & Sunday 15 September 10.00 - 17.00
How to get there: Rent a bike at Buds Restaurant, Amersfoortseweg 202 in Uddel (or check http://www.veluwefiets.nl/ for other places nearby to rent a bike). From here it's a 22 minute bike ride to Radio Kootwijk.
Adres Radioweg 1, Radio Kootwijk (Apeldoorn)
Opening Hours: Saturday 14 September 10.00 - 17.00 & Sunday 15 September 10.00 - 17.00
How to get there: Rent a bike at Buds Restaurant, Amersfoortseweg 202 in Uddel (or check http://www.veluwefiets.nl/ for other places nearby to rent a bike). From here it's a 22 minute bike ride to Radio Kootwijk.
2. BASILIEK VAN DE HH. AGATHA EN BARBARA
As I was researching this basilica, I found out it was another church designed by Pierre Cuypers (I already mentioned 2 of his buildings this week) and less known architect Gerard van Swaaij. I didn't know this and it really, really surprised me Cuypers co-designed this, as it doesn't seem to fit his body of work at all. The other architect or the commissioner must have had a big influence on this project, as the neoclassic building and interior absolutely seem unlikely for Cuypers. He opposed neoclassicism. Anyway, the façade was based on the basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, while the inside was based on the famous St. Peters basilica. I do like it when buildings are inspired by other buildings and that you can see it in little details or something, but personally I find this building too much of a literal copy. As a designer I know it's difficult to decide where to draw the line when you let yourself be inspired by some building you love. When is it 'inspired by' and 'based on' and still really your own design, and when is it too much of a literal copy? It's just so uninspired to literally copy another building, you know? I still love this basilica though, it is gorgeous. At least the architects brought a little piece of Italy to the Netherlands. All in all a true Dutch Gem (especially considering the fact this basilica is located in a small village I had never heard of!)!
Adres Markt 57, Oudenbosch
Opening Hours: Saturday 14 September 09.00 - 16.00 & Sunday 15 September 12.15 uur - 16.30
How to get there: Take a train to Oudenbosch, from Oudenbosch station it's a 5 minute walk.
Adres Markt 57, Oudenbosch
Opening Hours: Saturday 14 September 09.00 - 16.00 & Sunday 15 September 12.15 uur - 16.30
How to get there: Take a train to Oudenbosch, from Oudenbosch station it's a 5 minute walk.
3. Gemeenlandshuis van Rijnland
A gemeenlandshuis is a building for the headquarters of the waterboards of the Netherlands. This one in Leiden, is the oldest gemeenlands building in the Netherlands.
I love the Dutch renaissance façade, with the typical Dutch 'crow-stepped gable' (not words that were in my English vocabulary, hehe, you learn something everyday). Inside you can find a beautifully painted ceiling and cordova (gold leather) walls.
Adres Breestraat 59, Leiden
Opening Hours: Saturday 14 September 12:00 - 17:00
How to get there: It's a 12 minute walk from Leiden Central Station.
I love the Dutch renaissance façade, with the typical Dutch 'crow-stepped gable' (not words that were in my English vocabulary, hehe, you learn something everyday). Inside you can find a beautifully painted ceiling and cordova (gold leather) walls.
Adres Breestraat 59, Leiden
Opening Hours: Saturday 14 September 12:00 - 17:00
How to get there: It's a 12 minute walk from Leiden Central Station.
4. NIJMEGEN STADHUIS
This early renaissance town hall was built in the middle ages, and what I especially love are all the little details in the façade. The 7 medallions for instance represent the cardinal virtues that officials working here should have. And then there are the statues of royals that were important to the city of Nijmegen, and the windows where criminals were put behind so people could throw objects at them. In the basement you can also see the torturing devices they used on the criminals.
Adres Korte Nieuwstraat 6, Nijmegen
Opening Hours: Saturday 14 September 12:00 - 16:00, only with a guided tour
How to get there: It's a 14 minute walk from Nijmegen station.
Adres Korte Nieuwstraat 6, Nijmegen
Opening Hours: Saturday 14 September 12:00 - 16:00, only with a guided tour
How to get there: It's a 14 minute walk from Nijmegen station.
And there you have it, 5 lists of some awesome buildings you should definitely try to visit during the National Heritage Days. Have fun this weekend, if you're going. I know I will ;)
*disclaimer
1st photo borrowed from here, 2nd photo borrowed from here, 3rd photo borrowed from here, 4th photo borrowed from here.
*disclaimer
1st photo borrowed from here, 2nd photo borrowed from here, 3rd photo borrowed from here, 4th photo borrowed from here.
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