The Old Church, nicknamed "Old John," is a Gothic Protestant temple in Delft whose most recognizable feature is a 75-meter-high brick tower leaning about two meters from the vertical. The layout followed that of a traditional basilica, with a nave flanked by two smaller aisles. The church was founded as Saint Bartholomew's in 1246 on the site previously occupied by other temples for two centuries.

There are three pipe organs inside the church: the main one (installed in 1857), the north aisle (installed in 1873), and the choir (installed in 1770). The most massive bell in the tower, cast in 1570 and called Trinitasklok or Bourdon, weighs nearly nine tonnes. Because of its strong and potentially damaging vibrations, it is rung only on special occasions, such as the burial of a Dutch royal family member in the nearby New Church.

The Old Church is also notable as the last resting place of Johannes Vermeer – the artist was buried here on 15th December 1675 in a family crypt in the northern transept, bought by his mother-in-law Maria Thins in 1661. His grave remained unmarked for some time because, upon the artist's death, his family had no money for a tombstone.

Today there are two markers for Vermeer's burial site: an austere plaque installed in 1975 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of his death; and a new, more elaborate tombstone, added in 2007, near the western
entrance. This creates a bit of confusion regarding the exact location of Vermeer's tomb. One thing is certain, though, that the artist rests in the company of some truly excellent citizens of Delft.

The Museum Lambert van Meerten, located in the historic city of Delft, Netherlands, is a hidden gem for lovers of art, history, and decorative design. Housed in a beautifully restored neo-Renaissance mansion, the museum was originally the private home of Lambert van Meerten, a 19th-century collector and passionate advocate for Dutch decorative arts. Today, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into the grandeur and craftsmanship of the Dutch Golden Age and beyond.

The museum’s collection is renowned for its exquisite examples of Delftware, stained glass, furniture, and architectural fragments, many of which were saved from historic buildings slated for demolition in the late 1800s. Walking through its richly decorated rooms, visitors can admire rare blue-and-white tiles, ornate woodwork, and intricate wall paintings that reflect the opulence of Dutch interiors from the 17th century.

Beyond its impressive collection, the museum itself is a masterpiece. Its façade, with elegant gables and decorative stonework, is a striking example of neo-Renaissance architecture. Inside, the atmosphere evokes the refined taste and cultural ambitions of Delft during its prosperous past.

Conveniently located near other iconic attractions such as the Oude Kerk and the Vermeer Centrum, the Museum Lambert van Meerten is an ideal stop for those exploring Delft’s rich artistic heritage. Fascinated by historic craftsmanship, drawn to Dutch design, or simply looking for a beautifully preserved slice of the city’s past, visitors will find this museum an intimate and inspiring experience for all ages.

Nestled in the heart of Delft’s historic center, the Saint Hippolytus Chapel is one of the city’s oldest and most fascinating landmarks. Built around 1400 in the graceful Gothic style, this chapel stands proudly on the east side of the Oude Delft canal and offers visitors a glimpse into over six centuries of history. Consecrated in 1412, the chapel was originally part of a female religious community known as the Holy Spirit Sisters' House. Its name derives from the quarter it once belonged to, while the nearby Oude Kerk was once dedicated to Saint Hippolytus.

Throughout the centuries, the chapel has witnessed dramatic transformations. After suffering severe damage in the great fire of 1536, it was carefully restored, only to face further change during the Reformation in 1572, when its interior was stripped and its clock and cross removed. For a time, it even served as a depot, though parts of it remained in use for Protestant services. In 1910, a major restoration brought its facade closer to its original design.

From 1924 until 1966, the chapel played an important role in academia, hosting doctoral ceremonies for Delft University of Technology. Since 1972, it has belonged to the Roman Catholic Church and continues to serve as a place of worship. Designated as a National monument, this historic chapel invites travelers to explore its serene atmosphere, admire its enduring Gothic architecture, and reflect on the rich spiritual and cultural heritage it embodies in the city of Delft.

In 1618 The old City Hall of Delft burned down. That was a bad thing. A good thing was Hendrik de Keyser, Dutch Mannerist architect and sculptor was found across the Market Square. He was working on the tomb of William the Silent in the New Church. Before the ashes were cool, he was asked to design a replacement city hall.

The Gothic belfry tower was spared by the fire. Built in the 13th century, its ornate clock faces were installed in 1536 by Hendrick van Trier and Francois Hemony. It is faced with Wallonia limestone and is commonly called "The Stone." Only the tower of the Town Hall escaped the fire. It was used as a prison. It is a museum of prison artifacts today.

William of Orange, founder of the royal House of Orange, was assassinated in 1584 in his residence at the Prinsenhof by Balthasar Gerard, an operative of the King of Spain. Gerard was captured and held in the tower prison. He was later executed after being tortured. All this violence in the name of religion.

Herndrik was able to focus his efforts on the hall proper. He chose a Renaissance style. Since 1618 the building has been changed several times. It was restored to Hendrik de Keyser's original style in the 20th century. The Town Hall now houses the offices of the Delft city council. It is still today a venue for civic wedding ceremonies.

The name "Delft" derives from the word to dig. The digging relates to a canal across the creek wall of the shallow Gantel river. A manor was built here in the year 1075. It was a good place for an important market town of the middle ages. From its beginnings until today, the vast Market Square has been the center of town.

Bordering the square are the Renaissance Town Hall and the 16th century New Church, the Gothic resting place of the royal families of the Netherlands. Near the New Church is the statue of Hugo Grotius, humanist, jurist, poet and playwright of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Visitors to Delft inexorably wind up on the Market Square. It is essentially the center of the old town. Thursdays are market days. The square is jammed with at least 150 covered stalls, offering flowers, vegetables, tasty cheeses, hand-crafted souvenirs, fresh bread, antiques, books and jewelry.

The square also offers clothing, bicycle parts, and electronics. There are pubs and fresh-air terraces, cafes and restaurants. Shoppers, visitors and locals bargaining and tasting together, hip and thigh. One can browse the kiosks, sample cheeses and try out the stoopwaffles.

The Vermeer Centre in Delft is an information center dedicated to one of the most prominent Dutch painters of the Golden Age, Johannes Vermeer. Opened in 2007 and run entirely by volunteers, this popular cultural venue is found in the historic former Saint Luke Guild House, and is the only place in the world where all 37 paintings by Vermeer can be seen as full-size reproductions.

Pursuant to its objective – to disseminate knowledge about Delft during the lifetime of Vermeer (1632 – 1675), the center works with local archaeological groups and heritage organizations. Although it acts as a museum, the Vermeer Centre does not own the displayed items.

The exhibits are spread on three floors, including the basement, allowing visitors an insight into Vermeer's life reflected in his works as well as those of his contemporaries, much as to learn about the events that occurred during his lifetime.

Other than the paintings, the permanent exhibition comprises various media including a studio which explores methods of Vermeer's work – his attention to color, light and perspective. Here, visitors have the opportunity to pose for a picture as Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid, as well as to see a video on a 12-meter-wide screen highlighting the relationship between the artist and the city of Delft.

On the ground floor you can find a small gift store and a bookshop. The exhibition "Vermeer's Messages of Love" on the top floor examines symbolism in his paintings.

Tip:
For individual visitors there is a free audio tour.

The New Church came after the Old Church. No surprise there. The very first New Church was temporary, made of wood in 1381 and consecrated in 1382. The Gothic stone basilica New Church structure was begun in 1384 and the inner wooden church was disassembled. The church is on the Market Square, opposite the Town Hall.

The tower, designed by Jacob van de Borch, was not started until 1396. It was slow building, finished in 1496. The tower was ill-fated. In May, 1536, a lightning strike on the tower started a blaze that nearly consumed the entire town. The city archives went up in smoke, resulting in the loss of close to all public records before 1536.

Bad luck came back again. 1654 was the year of the Delft Thunderclap. A gunpowder storage magazine in the northeast corner of town exploded. The center of the city was erased and the New Church did not escape damage. All the stained glass windows in the church disintegrated. The next magazine was situated well out of town.

In 1872 the church tower attracted lightning once again. Pierre Cuypers, architect, designed a new tower strengthened with Benteimer sandstone. Pierre also replaced the spire, making the New Church the tallest in the Netherlands after the Dom Tower in Utrecht. The tower can be climbed using no less than 356 steps.

The New Church was a Roman Catholic church named for the Virgin Mary and Saint Ursula of Cologne. The Reformation changed all that in 1572, when the New Church was usurped by the Dutch Reformed Church. In 2004 the Dutch Reformed Church merged with other Protestant churches to form the Protestant Church of the Netherlands.

For centuries, the New Church has been the burial place for members of the House of Orange-Nassau. The first of them, William the Silent, was entombed in a mausoleum in 1584. The latest burial – of Queen Juliana and her husband Prince Bernhard – took place in 2004. The royal family crypt is private and not open to the public.

The native of Delft painter Johannes Vermeer, christened in the New Church on October 31, 1632, had pictured this church's tower in his masterful landscape “View of Delft”. Notably, in his painting the bells are not yet seen. According to the independent Dutch art historian Kees Kaldenbach, the delivery of carillon for the New Church started in 1660 and was completed in the summer of 1661, which corresponds with the dating previously suggested, based on Vermeer's painting.

A historical chronicle says that the 36 bells installed in the New Church were "the latest piece of technology." Their music must have been a source of constant pleasure to Vermeer's ears, who would have heard them every day from his nearby studio.

The Animal Market has gone through at least three major incarnations. At first, in the period 1449 to 1595 there were no beasties and no market. There was only Franciscan monastery cloister.

By 1595 the Protestant Reformation had come to town and the Monks were passe. The cloister evaporated and a square was formed. What to do with it? How about an animal market? Yes, in 1595 the square became the Animal Market. It was the place for the Westland farmers from South Holland province to buy and sell their cattle.

Trading began when the bell rang. A "Sheep Bell" was installed at number 9 on the market square in 1734. By 1972, with the help of foot-and-mouth disease, the animal market was passe.

The square is pedestrian, with walkways surrounding a raised, paved area shaded by plane trees. In the center is an earthenware sculpture of a bull by artist Rob Brandt. In the winter the square becomes an ice-skating rink.

The family of artist Vermeer once lived at the house known as The Three Hammers at Animal Market number 26. The ground floor of 26 is now a pub. The square is lined with a variety of pubs, cafes and restaurants. In the summer the cafes have terraces in the square. Live music in the square is not uncommon.

In a 16th century canal house on the Corn Market is the art museum of one special man. Paul Tetar van Elven was a painter. He lived from 1823 to 1896. He did scenes from history and portraits. His specialty was copies of Old Masters. The Netherlands and Delft produced many of the best "Old masters" of art.

Paul trained at the Hague and later taught at the Polytechnical School in Delft, which later became the Technical University of Delft. He lived at his canal house from 1864 until 1894. This is where he kept his beloved collections of paintings, furniture, objets d'art, Chinese porcelain and blue faiences.

In 1925 van Elven's second wife and widow, Mrs. Pitlo-van Duuren, willed his collections and the canal house to a museum foundation. The museum, in his name, was opened on June 23, 1927.

A quick walk from the Old City finds the Old Canal, crossing the city from north to south. This is the first canal of Delft. It was dug in 1100 as the town was founded. It extends mainly through the Noordeinde. The canals were primarily made to drain the land. Later they were used for transport of products especially peat.

Delft canals are at a level with the streets, making them unique compared to other canal cities in Europe. Canals in Delft are still used for transportation of people and goods and water management. Water taxis are available as well as private boats. Boats or taxis can be rented by phone or by flagging one down. Delft is best seen by water.

The Old Canal, is a great way to explore the city by day or by night. The canal is lined with picturesque old houses such as the Begijnhof with its late Gothic tower and the "Hidden Shelter Church" built by Daniel Merot in 1743 for persecuted Catholics.

The East Gate, formerly Saint Catherine's Gate, is an example of Brick Gothic architecture. Its twin towers flank an entrance moat and bridge. The towers were built around 1400. In the 16th century they were raised with hexagonal floors and high pointed spires. Behind the towers is a residence and an art gallery. The East Gate is the last gate in town.

The East Gate was once attached the old city walls. Loopholes in the ground floor wall could be used to shoot arrows at attackers. The upper floor has a studio space and the old parapet is available for art exhibits. Originally there were nine gates to Delft. Eight were demolished by 1847.

A number of 17th century painters are featured at the East Gate. Janvander Verde the Younger, Jan van Goyen, Gerbrand van der Eeckhout and Jan de Bischophave have all painted the Gate. No, East Gate does not appear in Vermeer's View of Delft.

There were once nine mills to go with the nine gates in the 16th century. All but four mills were torn down.

The Royal Delft is an earthenware factory that has been in operation in Delft since the 17th century. The famous Delft Blue ceramics are still made here. Painters still practice their craft in the traditional way. The factory was established in 1653.

Visitors to the factory will travel in time through the history of pottery in Delft. The history of Royal Delft is followed by a thorough explanation of the production process. Lectures include anecdotes of prominent personalities of Delft, including Johannes Vermeer and members of the royal family, past and present.

The museum can present all the salient points of the iconic collections of Delft Blue and Royal Delftware. Audio tours are available in eight languages: Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. It is possible combine a group guided tour with workshop experience, painting a tile or plate for oneself, followed by a high tea.

The Rose Windmill (Molen de Roos) is one of Delft’s most iconic historical landmarks and a must-see for visitors interested in Dutch culture, heritage, and traditional craftsmanship. Built in 1679, this impressive tower mill was originally constructed to grind grain, providing flour for the local community. Over the centuries, it has withstood the test of time, witnessing the evolution of Delft from a bustling trade hub of the Dutch Golden Age to the charming, picturesque city it is today.

Located just a short walk from Delft’s historic center, the Molen de Roos is the only remaining windmill within the city walls. Its distinctive silhouette offers a perfect backdrop for photos and a glimpse into the Netherlands’ enduring relationship with wind power. After an extensive restoration, the mill is now fully operational again, allowing visitors to see its massive sails turning on windy days.

Inside, you can explore multiple levels of the mill, where fascinating exhibits explain the history of milling, traditional techniques, and the role windmills played in Dutch daily life. Friendly guides often provide demonstrations, making it an engaging experience for all ages. From the top, enjoy panoramic views over Delft’s canals, red-tiled rooftops, and famous landmarks such as the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk.

History enthusiasts, families seeking an authentic Dutch experience, and visitors looking to enjoy a piece of living heritage will all find Molen de Roos an unforgettable journey into Delft’s past and the timeless charm of the Netherlands’ windmills.