Maria van Jesse Church, Delft

By 1572 the Netherlands had turned to Protestantism. The Catholic Church was effectively a thing of the past if not actually banned in most places. Delft, however was more tolerant than most cities. Holy mass could still be heard in the center of the town known as "The Pope's Corner." The Jesuits even managed to build a church by 1733.

Referred to as the Shelter Church, it was unassuming and hidden from view. The structure was situated at the west side of the present Maria van Jesse Church. It was formally known as Saint Jozef's. During the French occupation of Delft a new bigger church designed by architect Peter Adams was built.

After 1848 Dutch Catholics regained religious rights and in 1875 Adams' work was replaced in 1882 by the enormous Neo-Gothic building designed by Everard Margry. Margry was the most prolific students of Pierre Cuypers. The building has three aisles in a cruciform layout and a vaulted ceiling above the nave.

The towers by the entrance have elements resonant with both the old and new churches. The pulpit, designed by Jos Tonnaer, dates from 1903. The Altarpiece, from 1905, is by Anthony van Ljsendijck.

The two Catholic parishes of Delft were merged in 1971 and St. Jozef's was renamed Maria van Jesse Church. The church has been a national monument since 1982.