Wall Tower, Haarlem, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Wall Tower stop at Papentorenvest in Haarlem is the site of Molen De Adriaan, a windmill that stands on the Spaarne river on the foundations of a medieval city wall tower. The mill you see today is a reconstruction of the 18th-century original, which burned down in 1932. It is one of the best-known sights on Haarlem's riverfront.

The story behind it

The mill was opened on 19 May 1779 on the edge of what was then the city. It was not built on bare ground. Its base was the old Goevrouwtoren, a tower that had been part of Haarlem's fortifications. Because the mill sat on top of this tall stone base, it rose high above its surroundings and caught plenty of wind.

On 23 April 1932 the mill went up in flames. Many people in Haarlem wanted it back, but the poverty of the 1930s and the years after the Second World War left no money for it. In 1991 the Molen De Adriaan Foundation was set up with one aim, to rebuild the mill. Work began in April 1999 and the new mill was delivered in April 2002.

What to look for

• The thick stone base of the mill is the old tower foundation, so look at how the masonry differs from the wooden structure above it.
• The sails and the tall body of the mill make a striking silhouette against the sky, especially when seen from the opposite bank of the Spaarne.
• The position on the water shows why this was a good spot for both a defensive tower and, later, a windmill.
• The surrounding street name, Papentorenvest, is a reminder that this was once part of the city's defensive line.

Tips for your visit

• Allow 20 to 30 minutes to see the mill from outside and walk along the river. Allow longer if you plan to go in, and check current opening hours and whether visits inside are possible.
• Late afternoon light is flattering on the mill and the water, and the riverside is pleasant for a slow stroll.
• The Amsterdamse Poort, the old city gate, and the Grote Markt are within easy walking distance, so the mill fits well into a wider walk through the old centre.
• The area is flat and easy on foot, so comfortable shoes are all you need.

See it on a quest

You can reach this spot on The Battle for Haarlem: Defend the City, a quest themed around the city's defence. You walk to the mill on foot as one stop on a longer route through Haarlem, the app tells you about the place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle based on what is in front of you. It suits a place built on old fortifications. One ticket covers the whole group, and you can start whenever you like, with no guide and no group to join.