Sunset in Hoorn

The Hoofdtoren is one of the last remaining defensive structures in Hoorn (North Holland). The tower is named after the nearby jetty, the Houten Hoofd, which was built as early as 1464. Since 1968, the tower has been used as a restaurant.

History: The tower stands by the harbour and was built in 1532 from limestone and brick. In 1614, it lost its function as a defensive structure. After that, the Noordse Compagnie moved into the tower. In 1651, the tower was fitted with the small turret on the roof, which resembles the tower of the Zuiderkerk in Amsterdam.

In 1632, the tower was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire. It was subsequently rebuilt from scratch. Later, other organisations also made use of the tower, such as the Cloth Makers’ Guild and the Society for Levantine Trade.

Some of the tower’s old components, such as a safe and a fireplace, were moved to the Westfries Museum in 1904. The Veermansklokje bell from the tower was stolen during the Second World War, but was returned after the war. Next to the tower stands a statue of Bontekoe’s ship’s boys, from the famous book.

The tower has been a listed building since 1965. In 2003, it was transferred to the Hendrick de Keyser Association. This organisation began restoration work in 2004. As part of this, the turret was also removed, as it had been damaged by woodworm.