Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Home town of the famous blue-white porcelain
- Charming small town
Time required: 180 minutes
Public transport:
Address:
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: msandman
Things you need to know:
- Delft is a small town close to Rotterdam, some 60 km (37 mi) from Amsterdam to the southwest
- The town is home of the Dutch blue-and-white porcelain; it is also the birthplace of the 17th century master, Jan Vermeer, and the burial place of the royal family
- Neat tree lined canals, pretty bridges, old canal houses and colorful flower boxes make Delft a charming little town
- Highlights include: (1) Old Church (Oude Kerk), (2) New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and (3) the Royal Porcelain Factory
- Vermeer is buried in Old Church, this vast 13th-century building; notable features are the 27 stained glass windows and the 14th-century leaning clock tower
- New Church is a landmark Protestant church at the main square; the burial place for the royal family since Prince William of Orange was entombed here
- The Royal Porcelain Factory offers guided tours; visitors learn about the production of porcelain and see how they are painted
What to do there:
- From Delft's railway station walk to the center, to find the Tourist Information Office
- Pick up a brochure with a map of Delft
- Start your visit on the Market Square admiring the New church and its spire from different angles
- Admire the impressive interior of Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). The entrance fee includes admission to the Oude Kerk
- Continue your visit in the Oude Kerk (Old Church), just a few blocks away from New Church. It is notable for its 27 stained-glass windows and the leaning clock tower
- After taking some time in this lovely small city, on the way back to the railway station you visit the porcelain factory: Koninklijke Porcelyne Fles, famous for the production of its beautiful blue and white porcelain. The most scenic route to the factory is along the Oude Delft canal
