Huis ter Kleef

Kaatsbaan Huis ter Kleef The Kaatsbaan at Huis ter Kleef in Haarlem was built by Hendrik van Brederode around 1560. He was a close friend and ally of 'Willem van Oranje', and led the rebellion against the Spanish invaders in the turbulent year of 1566. During the siege of Haarlem in 1573, Huis ter Kleef was largely destroyed by the Spaniards, whereas Hendrik's Kaatsbaan, a court which was used for playing an early form of tennis known as Real Tennis, was spared and used as a prison. This game was practiced until the second quarter of the 17th century, and the Kaatsbaan has since served as a farmhouse and in 1984 it was put into use as a canteen for one of the city's municipal departments. The National Service for Archaeology, Cultural Landscape and Built Heritage (RACM) has recognized the Kaatsbaan as a unique building of great monumental value. If the plans of the Real Tennis Club Huis ter Kleef - to have the building restored so that it can be put to its original use - are realized, the Kaatsbaan will be the oldest covered tennis court in the world. Blue Delft's exclusively made for Huis ter Kleef by KLM and Bols (not issued on board of KLM flights). Kaatsbaan Huis ter Kleef, Kleverlaan 9, Haarlem, The Netherlands. Open Monday - Friday 09.00 - 17.00, Sunday 10.30 - 16.00 For more information: www.realtennis.nl