By Anton Lutter
The Hague deputy mayor for for Economic Affairs, International Affairs and Municipal Services Mrs. Saskia Bruines was very pleased when author Gerard Arp gave her his new book A walk in historic The Hague at her office in city hall. This 126 page book is a walking guide through The Hague with stories from international travelers from as early as the 17th and 18th century ago, giving us an interesting insight in what their thoughts were on The Hague. As the book cover says:
Go back in time, on a walk with guides who were here in the ‘golden age’ of The Hague. Their colorful stories, often funny or sarcastic, help us discover the history of sites and buildings that are still here. Many historic pictures and maps show the streets, buildings, men and women in that time.
The Hague was – and is – one of the important, international cities of Europe. This walk passes by historic sites, with stories and anecdotes about the buildings and the people who lived and died there. Where politicians like Van Oldenbarnevelt and De Witt were killed, where painters like Paulus Potter and Van Gogh lived and worked, where little Mozart and old Karl Marx lodged and walked, and where people prayed in hidden churches. On the way, (virtually) visit the many museums and listen to music of that time.
Besides the historic center, there are walks to nearby Scheveningen and the beach, in the old center of Voorburg, and in the historic wood and parks of The Hague. A great way for expats, visitors and ‘Haguenese’ to get to know the town.
QR codes to information on museums and other topics are provided serving the reader with easy accessible extra’s. This book is also available in the Dutch language.
