Delft (Netherlands) – detailed information about the city with photos. Main attractions of Delft with descriptions, guides and maps.
Delft (Dutch: *Delft*) is a city in the western Netherlands in the province of South Holland. Located on the Schie River between Rotterdam and The Hague. Delft is a small typical Dutch city with a picturesque historical center, beautiful 17th-century architecture, canals, and bicycles. This is the first capital of the Netherlands, which gained popularity through porcelain production. Delft is home to a large technical university, which has made the city a center of Dutch high technology and innovation, while the New Church has been the burial place of royal family members since the end of the 16th century.
Delft is located in the western Netherlands on the plains of South Holland. The city is crossed by the Schie River. The climate is moderate maritime. Summers are fairly warm, and winters are mild with light frosts. The best period to visit Delft is April-May and July-August.
Delft was founded in the early 12th century. The settlement grew along the Old Canal (Oude Delft), which was dug around 1100. The city’s name comes from the Dutch word Delf, meaning “dug canal or ditch.” Thanks to trade, the settlement grew and developed quickly. In 1246, German King William II granted Delft city rights, making it one of the first Dutch cities.
In the 14th century, a canal was dug, connecting Delft to the Maas River and the North Sea. This further strengthened the city’s position, turning it into one of the centers of Dutch trade. Several sad events occurred in the 16th century. In 1536, a severe fire destroyed most of Delft. In 1584, Prince William I of Orange — leader of the Dutch revolution — was assassinated here. He was buried in the New Church. Since then, all members of the Dutch Royal Family are buried in Delft.
In 1654, Delft was again destroyed by an explosion in the powder magazines. After this, almost the entire city was rebuilt and has been preserved to our time almost in its original form. Despite this, the 17th century is considered Delft’s golden age. The city becomes a center of maritime trade and is famous for ceramic production. However, already in 1672 (after the war with France and England) Delft’s trading importance declined and a period of decay began.
In the 19th century, Delft transformed into a major industrial center and university city. And remains so to this day.
Delft is located between Rotterdam and Hague, an hour’s drive from Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport. It has direct rail and bus connections with the above-mentioned cities. From The Hague to Delft, you can even take a tram.
Delft has a wonderful old town, which is crossed by numerous canals and features predominantly 17th-century architecture with several medieval monuments. The city’s central square is the spacious de Markt.
New Church — the architectural dominant of Market Square and one of the tallest religious buildings in the Netherlands. Built between 1396 and 1496 (so the church isn’t really new) and has a beautiful Gothic tower (108 meters high), offering a beautiful panorama of Delft. The church contains the remains of 41 members of the Dutch Royal Family. Its main attraction is the magnificent tomb of William I of Orange from the early 17th century, considered one of the masterpieces of Dutch Baroque.
In the western part of de Markt stands another symbol of Delft — the Town Hall. This is a beautiful 17th-century building in Dutch Renaissance style, built on the site of a 13th-century medieval town hall. The town hall’s facade is decorated with pilasters and sculptures.
Old Church — the oldest religious building in Delft. The church was built in 1250 in Gothic style and features a slightly leaning tower, rebuilt in 1450. The church contains several important works of art, including a carved pulpit from 1548, tombs of Piet Hein, Maarten Tromp, and the famous painter Johannes Vermeer.
Prinsenhof — one of the most beautiful places in Delft, which is a complex of medieval historical buildings that belonged to the monastery of St. Agatha. After the Reformation, it housed the residence of the King of the Netherlands. This place is sadly famous for the assassination of William of Orange.
Eastern Gate — picturesque city gates located at the intersection of several canals in the southeastern corner of the old city. The twin towers were built in the early 15th century and expanded in the 16th century with the addition of sharp spires.
De Porceleyne Fles ceramics factory was founded in 1653 and is the last historical production facility in Delft. Here you can take a tour of the factory buildings and study the production process according to strict centuries-old standards.
Delft perfectly embodies the unique balance characteristic of the Netherlands — a harmonious combination of deep historical heritage with modern innovations. This is a city where Gothic churches and Renaissance buildings neighbor a cutting-edge technical university, and traditional Delft ceramic production coexists with high-tech startups. Picturesque canals and ancient bridges create a 17th-century atmosphere, while young students on bicycles add modern dynamics to the city.
Delft has maintained its authenticity despite numerous historical trials, and today continues to play an important role in the country’s life — as a burial place for the royal family, a tourism center, and a hub of technological innovation. This city is living proof of how rich cultural heritage can harmoniously coexist with the spirit of progress and innovation.
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