Tourist information VVV Delft Explore Delft Discover the true story of Willem of Orange, get up close and personal with Johannes Vermeer, and see how the world-famous Delft Blue ceramics are made. Tourist information VVV Delft Is located in Delft Station Stationsplein 7 2611 BV Delft +31 (0)15 215 40 52 |
Despite its small size, Delft (map) is an important historic and cultural centre in the Netherlands. There are many things to do in Delft and the best way to explore the town is on foot – the town centre is very compact and most of the important sights are located here. Because Delft has more to offer than just Vermeer and blue-and-white ceramics. Delft plays a pivotal role in the history of our small Kingdom. The city was formed around the 10th century and became a wealthy place of trade when the canal to the Meuse River was dug three centuries later. Not long after that, the famous Delfts Blue ceramic trade came into full bloom. Inspired by porcelain work from the far east, but soon a trademark all by itself. At the end of the Middle Ages, Johannes Vermeer produced his 34 famous paintings, featuring dramatic Dutch skies or shy damsels in blue and yellow. But to the Dutch, Delft is where the history of our country as a Kingdom truly begins. William of Orange (hence we all dress in orange when supporting our national sports teams), Governor of Holland in the 16th century, led a successful revolt against the Spanish oppressors, even after being outlawed, and was eventually murdered in his home in Delft. He's buried in the New Church and to this day our royal house is named The House of Orange. Nowadays the city is also the home of one of the largest and most prestigious technical universities in The Netherlands, explaining the extremely large student population that has turned Delft into a lively and fun place to visit.
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Tourist attractions
Orange Delft and the Royal family of Orange have been connected for centuries. The city has many examples of their shared history to show you. The Nieuwe Kerk, or New Church, dates back to 1496. Here, you will find the royal burial vaults and visit the impressive mausoleum of William of Orange. The Prinsenhof Museum is housed in the former Saint Agatha monastery. In 1572, William of Orange used it as one of his residences. It was from this place that he led the uprising against the Spanish occupation of The Netherlands. On July 10th 1584, he was assassinated on the steps of the Prinsenhof by a collaborator, Balthazar Gerards. Two bullet holes in the wall still bear witness today to this historic event
|  Museum The Prinsenhof Delft |
 Nieuwe Kerk Delft | The New Church Construction of Delft's Nieuwe Kerk began in 1381; it was finally completed in 1655. The church has been the final resting place of almost every member of the House of Orange since 1584, including William of Orange (Willem the Silent), who lies in an over-the-top marble mausoleum designed by Hendrick de Keyser. Children under five are not permitted to climb the 109m-high tower, whose 376 narrow, spiralling steps lead to panoramic views.
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| The Old Church Founded c 1246, the Oude Kerk is a surreal sight: its 75m-high tower, which was erected c 1350, leans nearly 2m from the vertical due to subsidence caused by its canal location, hence its nickname Scheve Jan ('Leaning John'). The older section features an austere barrel vault; the newer northern transept has a Gothic vaulted ceiling. One of the tombs inside the church is that of painter Johannes Vermeer.
|  Oude Kerk Delft |
 Royal Delft | Royal Delft Pottery fans will love visiting Royal Delft, the town's most famous earthenware factory, which has been handcrafting its blue-and-white-painted porcelain since 1653. Admission includes an audioguide that leads you through a painting demonstration, the company museum and the factory's production process. For many, of course, the tour highlight is the final stop in the gift shop. It's 1.5km south of the Markt, near the university.
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| Vermeer Centrum Delft Johannes Vermeer was born in Delft in 1632 and lived here until his death in 1675, aged only 43. Although none of his works remains in Delft, this centre exhibits reproductions of his paintings, screens a short film about his life, and displays 17th-century painting techniques and materials that give context. Audioguides and hour-long guided tours at 10.30 am on Sunday are free. The centre sells maps for the Vermeer Cube Walk, which guides you to Vermeer information points around town.
|  Vermeer Centrum Delft |